The phrase ‘Rome falls only when the bakers cow is alight’ originates from Tuscany.It plays on the myth of ‘Clumsy cow’,about a baker who does not watch his livestock well enough and is subsequently unable to raise the alert when he sees Rome burning : he is too buy trying to put out the cow.

Its is a warning on leaving things unattended,ie.stoves,running baths etc. but can be used in a more general manner to mean ‘keep your eye on that situation’

When in Rome, do as the Romans do means that when you are visiting a new place, you should try to do as the people do who are from the place. Example: “I can’t eat that.” Reply: “Oh, give it a try. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” People from different places have different ways of acting, so it is important to try to do things the way people do who are from the place that you are visiting. Example: “Are you sure we can eat this with our hands?” Reply: “Why not? All of these people are. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” The city of Rome was the capitol of the great Roman Empire. There were many strange and interesting things to do when visiting (“in”) Rome. Example: “Back home, we never sing in front of other people.” Reply: “Oh, come on. Give it a try! When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”