rome

All roads lead to Rome.

Prov. There are many different routes to the same goal. Mary was criticizing the way that Jane was planting the flowers. John said, "Never mind, Mary, all roads lead to Rome." Some people learn by doing. Others have to be taught. In the long run, all roads lead to Rome.

See also: lead, road

fiddle while Rome burns

Fig. to do nothing or something trivial while knowing that something disastrous is happening. (From a legend that the Roman emperor Nero played the lyre while Rome was burning.) The lobbyists don't seem to be doing anything to stop this tax bill. They're fiddling while Rome burns.

See also: Burns, fiddle

Rome was not built in a day.

Prov. It takes a lot of time to achieve something important. Professor: When will you finish your research project? Student: It'll take me a while. Rome wasn't built in a day, you know.

See also: built, day, was

When in Rome(, do as the Romans do).

Prov. Behave however the people around you behave. Adapt yourself to the customs of the places you visit. Jill: Everyone in my new office dresses so casually. Should I dress that way, too? Jane: By all means. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

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fiddle while Rome burns

to spend time enjoying yourself or doing things that are not important when you should be dealing with a serious problem

Usage notes: This phrase comes from a story about the Roman emperor Nero, who fiddled (= played the violin) while the city of Rome was burning.

Environmentalists claim that the government is fiddling while Rome burns.

See also: Burns, fiddle

Rome wasn't built in a day.

something that you say which means that it takes a long time to do an important job 'Sometimes it feels like we've spent all our lives decorating this house.' 'Well, Rome wasn't built in a day.'

See also: built, day

When in Rome (do as the Romans do).

something that you say which means when you are visiting another country, you should behave like the people in that country I don't drink wine when I'm at home but on holiday, well, when in Rome...

See fiddle while Rome burns