When in rome mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈwɛn ɪn ˈroʊm miːn/

Part of Speech

Idiomatic expression

Definition

A phrase used to advise someone to adopt the customs or behaviors of a particular culture or group in a specific situation, often to avoid drawing attention to themselves or to blend in.

Examples

When we visited Japan, the locals told us to “just go with the flow” and not draw attention to ourselves by speaking English.
Our host in India reminded us to “eat with your right hand only” to avoid offending our hosts.

Synonyms

Blend in

Follow local customs

Antonyms

Stand out
Draw attention

Etymology

The phrase “When in Rome” has its roots in ancient Roman culture, where visitors would be expected to adapt to local customs and traditions. The phrase was later popularized by Saint Augustine, who wrote “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” The addition of “mean” to the phrase is a modern colloquialism that emphasizes the idea of conforming to local norms.

Usage Notes

The phrase “When in Rome mean” is often used in a variety of situations, from business to travel to social interactions. It’s a way to remind someone to be mindful of local customs and traditions, and to avoid drawing attention to themselves.

Cultural References

The phrase “When in Rome mean” has appeared in various forms of media, including movies, TV shows, and podcasts. It’s a common idiomatic expression used to advise others to adapt to local customs and traditions.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

When in Rome
Do as the Romans do
Blending in

Related Words or Phrases

Anachronism
Culture shock
Local customs

Collocations

The phrase “When in Rome mean” often appears in combination with other words and phrases, such as:

When in Rome mean, do as the locals do.
When in Rome mean, don’t stand out.

Frequency of Use

The phrase “When in Rome mean” is a relatively common idiomatic expression, particularly in travel and business contexts. It’s a way to advise others to adapt to local customs and traditions, and to avoid drawing attention to themselves.

Common Misspellings

The phrase “When in Rome mean” is often misspelled as “When in Rome done” or “When in Rome mean” without the final “mean” suffix.