When in Rome, (do as the Romans do). St. Ambrose, 347 AD
Act like the locals when visiting their place
English · UK & Ireland 745
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Where will you be? Anywhere UK & IrelandUnited StatesOnline slangBusiness jargon
Expressions you’ll hear in Britain and Ireland — distinctly British usage first, then widespread staples.
when in Rome, do as the Romans do
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
when it comes to
regarding or concerning something
when it rains, it pours
Unfortunate events occur in streaks or clusters, often in short periods of time.
when it's at home
in its usual or rightful place
when life gives you lemons, make lemonade
Traditional English proverbial phrase; full definition pending editorial review.
when pigs fly
something is extremely unlikely to happen
when push comes to shove
when a situation becomes critical or urgent
when the cat is away, the mice will play
People behave badly when not supervised.
when the going gets tough, the tough get going
Strong people take action when challenges arise
when the music stops
when a situation becomes unstable or precarious
when the oak is before the ash, then you will only get a splash; when the ash is before the oak, then you may expect a soak
Predicts weather based on tree leafing order
when they go low, we go high
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
when two Fridays come together
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
when two Sundays come together
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
when two Sundays meet
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
when you have seen one, you have seen them all
Things that seem different are actually very similar
when you're in a hole, stop digging
Stop making a situation worse by continuing a harmful action
where got
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
where there is a will, there is a way
Alternative form of where there is a will there is a way.
where there is life there is hope
As long as someone or something still exists, improvement is possible
where there is muck there is brass
Money can be made from dirty or unpleasant work
where's the beef
Where is the substance or real value?
where's the fire
to hurry or rush unnecessarily
where's the lie
Something is obviously false or untrue
whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right
One's beliefs about their ability influence their success
which foot the shoe is on
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
which way the wind is blowing
the current trend or direction of events
while there is life there is hope
As long as someone is alive, there is a chance for improvement or success.
while we're young
Do things now, before we get older
whine and complain
To constantly express discontent or dissatisfaction
whinge and whine
A fixed-order word pair (irreversible binomial); full definition pending editorial review.
whip hand
A position of power or control over someone or something
whip into shape
to improve or organize something quickly
whip through
To complete or do something quickly and efficiently
whip up a storm
to create a big reaction or controversy
whips and jingles
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
whisk away
To quickly take someone or something away from a place
whisk off
to quickly take someone or something away
whiskey dick
Erectile dysfunction caused by excessive alcohol consumption
whisper campaign
A secret or unofficial effort to spread rumors or misinformation
whistle and flute
for no reason or purpose
whistle Dixie
to talk or think nonsense
whistle for
to ask for something unlikely to happen
whistle in the dark
To try to courageously hide one's fear or uncertainty
whistle in the wind
A futile or ignored warning or message
whistle past the graveyard
To try to stay calm or pretend everything is fine in a frightening situation
whistle walk
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
white bread
Something or someone considered boring or lacking in excitement
white coat hypertension
High blood pressure readings in a medical setting
white hat
A computer security expert who helps organizations protect themselves
white magic
Magical power used for good or beneficial purposes
white marriage
A marriage of convenience without romantic involvement
white on rice
to watch or follow something very closely
white pee
urine that is pale or clear in color
white rabbit
A person or thing that is elusive or fugitive
white rider
a person who rescues a situation
white sheep
a member of a family or group who is considered unusual or unconventional
white trash
Poor and uneducated white people, often considered unsophisticated
white trashery
Behavior or attitude characterized by lack of refinement or decency