when in Rome, do as the Romans do
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Meaning · English
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
Where it’s used:
Used
Widespread English
Sources & notes
Listed in Wiktionary’s “English idioms” category (retrieved 2026-07-29); definition pending editorial review.
Equivalents & related
Near equivalent
nhập gia tuỳ tục
when in Rome, do as the Romans do
Tiếng Việt
Near equivalent
nhập gia tuỳ tục, nhập giang tuỳ khúc
when in Rome, do as the Romans do
Tiếng Việt
Near equivalent
watch the world burn
To take pleasure in others' misfortune or chaos
English · via nhập gia tuỳ tục
Lighter cards are two steps away in the meaning graph — equivalents of equivalents, reached via the entry shown on the card.
Common questions
What does “when in Rome, do as the Romans do” mean?
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
Is “when in Rome, do as the Romans do” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.
What is the closest equivalent?
“nhập gia tuỳ tục” (Tiếng Việt) — near equivalent.