when in Rome, do as the Romans do

== English == === Alternative forms === when in Rome, do as the Romans (less common) when in Rome, do like the Romans do (less common) === Etymology === The first attestation is Medieval Latin si fueris Rōmae, Rōmānō vīvitō mōre; si fueris alibī, vīvitō sīcut ibī (“if you should be in Rome, live in the Roman manner; if you should be elsewhere, live as they do there”), which is attributed to St Ambrose (c. 339–397). Robert Burton in his Anatomy of Melancholy (1621) uses the phrase “When they are at Rome, they doe there as they ſee done.” === Pronunciation === === Proverb === when in Rome, do as the Romans do (strictly) When situated in a foreign place, it is wise to follow the local customs. (loosely, idiomatic) It is wise to adapt to the circumstances; it is wise to follow common custom. ==== Synonyms ==== when in Rome (ellipsis, more common) ==== Translations ==== === References === Seferyan, S. S.; Hovhannisyan, L. V.; Lazaryan, A. A. (1986), Angleren-hayeren darjvacabanakan baṙaran [English–Armenian Phraseological Dictionary], Yerevan: University Press, page 179