VOA词汇掌故2024--When in Rome ...

And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning¹ English.

One of the best things about traveling to a new country is learning about new traditions and customs. They can be very different from our own.

When visiting a foreign county², it is smart to follow the local social rules and customs of the people who live there. This can make your stay easier and more enjoyable.

Today we talk about fitting³ in with the way local people do things. We talk about an expression that goes all the way back to ancient Rome:

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

This expression means that when we visit a place, we should follow the customs and norms⁴ of that place. This expression shows an attitude or mindset: You are willing to change your way of doing things to fit in with those around you.

The place does not have to be a new country. It can simply be a new situation or environment. For example, let's say you usually speak very loudly. But when visiting an art museum or library, you whisper in a low voice. You follow the rules of that place. When in Rome ...

English speakers often shorten⁵ the expression to "when in Rome..."

This expression has another meaning. When you are in an unfamiliar⁶ situation, you should follow the lead of those who know the rules. These people know how to behave with others. They know how to play the game. They know how to work within the system. They don't do things differently. They blend⁷ in.

But what does Rome have to do with following other people's customs? Several websites describe how the expression may have begun. And if they are correct, this expression is very old.

Here is how the story goes:

During the time of the Roman Empire more than 1500 years ago, a Christian⁸ leader, Saint⁹ Augustine, moved from Rome to Milan. Once in the new city, he found some parts of religious life to be different. For example, in Rome he fasted, or did not eat, on Saturday. But in Milan, people did not fast on Saturday. Another church leader, Saint Ambrose, gave him some advice. St. Ambrose said that when he goes to Rome he fasts on Saturdays. But when he is in Milan, he does not. Problem solved.

This good advice, or proverb, has survived over the years. Some word experts say it first appeared in English around 500 years ago.

But we still use it to this day -- either to give advice or to describe a situation where we have to change our behavior to fit in.

Let's hear another example.

A: How was your trip to see your brother's family?

B: It was really fun. Different but fun.

A: How was it different?

B: Well, they live in the country and love to hunt and fish. So, that's what I did all week. It was great!

A: I am so surprised. I didn't think you were the outdoorsy type.

B: I'm not! But when in Rome ...

A: With that attitude, it's no wonder you had a fun trip!

And that's all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories.

Until next time, I'm Anna Matteo.

Words in This Story

fit in -v. (phrasal) to behave in a way that is like other people near, so they do not form bad opinions about you

attitude -n. the way you think or feel about someone or something

mindset -n. a way of thinking

behave -v. the way a person acts

blend in -v. (phrasal) to not bring attention to oneself

fast -v. to not eat for a period of time, often for religious reasons

outdoorsy -adj. (informal) enjoying or accustomed to nature and wild areas

no wonder -interjection it is not a surprise

1 learning   

n.学问，学识，学习；动词learn的现在分词

参考例句：

• When you are learning to ride a bicycle,you often fall off.初学骑自行车时，常会从车上掉下来。
• Learning languages isn't just a matter of remembering words.学习语言不仅仅是记些单词的事。

2 county   

n.县，郡

参考例句：

• When the good news reached there,the whole county rejoiced.喜讯传到那里时，全县的人都欢欣鼓舞起来。
• In that year county after county fell to the enemy.那一年一个又一个的县城沦入敌人手中。

3 fitting   

n.[pl.]设备，家具，配件，试穿；adj.适合的

参考例句：

• I'm going to a fitting tomorrow.明天我要去试穿新衣。
• The President's address was a fitting end to a bitter campaign.总统的讲话为一场激烈的竞选运动适时画上了句号。

4 norms   

n. 规范 名词norm的复数形式

参考例句：

• deviation from the previously accepted norms 违背事先接受的准则
• Everyone should abide by our social norms. 我们每个人都应该遵守社会行为准则。

5 shorten   

vt.弄短，缩小，减少

参考例句：

• Minor accidents can shorten the life of a car.小事故会缩短汽车寿命。
• My dress is too long I must shorten it.我的连衣裙太长了，我得把它截短些。

6 unfamiliar   

adj.陌生的，不熟悉的

参考例句：

• I am unfamiliar with the place and the people here.我在这儿人地生疏。
• The man seemed unfamiliar to me.这人很面生。

7 blend   

v.(使)混和，(使)混杂；n.混合物；混和

参考例句：

• Do you think these two colours will blend together?你认为这两种颜色和谐吗？
• These houses seem to blend into the surrounding scenery.这些房屋似乎与周围的景色融为一体了。

8 Christian   

adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒

参考例句：

• They always addressed each other by their Christian name.他们总是以教名互相称呼。
• His mother is a sincere Christian.他母亲是个虔诚的基督教徒。

9 saint   

n.圣徒；基督教徒；vt.成为圣徒，把...视为圣徒

参考例句：

• He was made a saint.他被封为圣人。
• The saint had a lowly heart.圣人有谦诚之心。