Does the expression "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" apply to all cities, or just Rome?

Question

Does the expression "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" apply to all cities, or just Rome?

Answer 1

whatever you think.

Answer 2

It applies to wherever you are at the time.  City, country, airpline,underground tunnel.

Answer 3

Assuming a legitimate need to answer... yes

Answer 4

pretty much.

Answer 5

no... dont go to arkansas and mess with your cousins

Answer 6

it's a cliche - so you don't have to be in a city even. You could be at a roller rink and go skating b/c that is what the culture is there.

Answer 7

Well, common sense dictates that when in a foreign country, it is probably best for you to leave your culture at home and submerge yourself in their culture as you are just a guest. If one does not like the culture, then my advice would be to not go there.

In Italy, when in Rome, do as Romans do...or even better, when in Italy, do as Italians do.

Cheers!

Rick

Answer 8

Everywhere

Answer 9

It applies to all cities. However, Rome sounds better than "When in Podunk, do what Podunkers do". (Sorry, Podunk)

Answer 10

i dont know

Answer 11

All

Answer 12

It's a generalization...not to be taken literally....for example, when you dine in Japan expect to take off your shoes and sit on the floor....etc.

Answer 13

The expression applies to every city/town.  This is a way to 'blend in' and not 'stand out' like you're new there.

Answer 14

pretty much

Answer 15

Um...If you in Berlin, i would not do as the romans....you may get a funny look.

Answer 16

it applies to all cities except detroit.

Answer 17

SERIOUSLY,YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO "GENERALIZE" UPON "FOLK SAYINGS" AS BE ABLE TO APPLY THEM TO THE PREVAILING  SITUATION AT HAND----DO YOU "MAKE HAY WHEN THE SUN SHINES?--OF COURSE ONE DOES---BUT, THE LATTER ,TO ME, ALSO  HAS A VALUABLE  MEANING: THAT   ONE ALSO TAKES "FAVORABLE =PROACTIVE" ACTION, WHEN  "THE TIME /TIMING IS 'RIGHT'= AT A FAVORABLE TIME !!!"--------BACK TO YOURS----ARE YOU ALWAYS "IN ROME"---HA ! HA!

Answer 18

all cities, places environments. it means just gell with the people around you. dont do something that will make you look stupid or uncool

Answer 19

Bascially, it's saying to go with the flow and do as everyone else does . . . be a follower, if you will.

Answer 20

If you stumble into a Wal*Mart, you have to act like a middle-aged menstruating cow in front of all the cashiers and ask for free stuff because the thing you wanted is not in stock.

Because, "When in Rome..."

Answer 21

It's a saying dude, I guess that you can apply it to any other country that you wish to, like Paris and so on....

Answer 22

It doesn't apply only to cities but to cultures. This means that if you visit a foreign country you should try to understand the traditions and culture of the people living there. It's a proverb for being interested in what happens outside your own country and your own little world.

Answer 23

Rome, dah!

Answer 24

The expression applies anywhere you go.  In Rome do as the Romans do.Just follow suite, if the natives are doing it, then it's an acceptable thing to do.  If you were visiting Mexico and everyone takes a Siesta, then take a Siesta.In Ir ac where the women cover there heads, on the streets, and public places, it's a good idea for the females, in the group to wear a head cover.

Answer 25

general expression to imply when in a city does as the locals do

Answer 26

It just means that you should embrass the culture of the place you are.  When you are in France eat at a side walk cafe.  When in Copenhagen sit in a park with a beer.  When in the middle east eat falafel and smoke a shisha.  And when in Rome don't wait for traffic light because they mean nothing just cross the street waving your arms or you will be sitting there all day.