Cautela e caldos de galinha nunca fizeram mal a ninguém
Caution and chicken soup never hurt anyone
Meaning
Being careful and taking simple precautions is always beneficial and harmless.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'canja de galinha' is the ultimate comfort food. It's what you eat when you have a fever, a hangover, or just feel sad. The proverb is often shortened to just 'Canja e cautela.' The Portuguese version tends to be slightly more formal, often retaining the plural 'caldos' and the verb 'fizeram.' It reflects a deeply ingrained European tradition of prudence. In Angola, proverbs are a central part of orality. This specific phrase is used to emphasize community wisdom and the importance of listening to elders who 'know the broth.' Similar to other Lusophone countries, the phrase is used to bridge the gap between traditional healing and modern life decisions.
Use it to soften advice
If you want to tell someone they are being reckless without offending them, use this proverb. It shifts the 'blame' to traditional wisdom.
Don't over-pluralize
While 'caldos' is plural, don't pluralize 'cautela'. It's always singular.
Meaning
Being careful and taking simple precautions is always beneficial and harmless.
Use it to soften advice
If you want to tell someone they are being reckless without offending them, use this proverb. It shifts the 'blame' to traditional wisdom.
Don't over-pluralize
While 'caldos' is plural, don't pluralize 'cautela'. It's always singular.
The 'Canja' variation
In Brazil, saying 'Canja e cautela' is a very sophisticated way to show you are integrated into the culture.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
Cautela e ______ de galinha nunca ______ mal a ninguém.
The canonical form uses 'caldos' and the plural verb 'fizeram'.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Cautela e caldos de galinha nunca fizeram mal a ninguém'?
A) Jumping off a cliff without checking the water depth. B) Buying a second insurance policy for a world trip. C) Eating at a restaurant with zero reviews when you are starving. D) Investing all your money in a single stock.
The proverb justifies taking extra, perhaps redundant, precautions.
Choose the best response using the proverb.
João: 'Não vou levar o GPS, eu conheço bem o caminho.' Maria: '_________________'
Maria is advising João to take a precaution (the GPS) even if he thinks he doesn't need it.
Identify the figurative meaning of the proverb.
What does 'caldos de galinha' represent in this context?
In the proverb, chicken broth is a metaphor for harmless, common-sense care.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use this proverb
Health
- • Mild colds
- • Rest
- • Vitamins
Money
- • Savings
- • Contracts
- • Investments
Safety
- • Seatbelts
- • Backups
- • Door locks
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCautela e ______ de galinha nunca ______ mal a ninguém.
The canonical form uses 'caldos' and the plural verb 'fizeram'.
A) Jumping off a cliff without checking the water depth. B) Buying a second insurance policy for a world trip. C) Eating at a restaurant with zero reviews when you are starving. D) Investing all your money in a single stock.
The proverb justifies taking extra, perhaps redundant, precautions.
João: 'Não vou levar o GPS, eu conheço bem o caminho.' Maria: '_________________'
Maria is advising João to take a precaution (the GPS) even if he thinks he doesn't need it.
What does 'caldos de galinha' represent in this context?
In the proverb, chicken broth is a metaphor for harmless, common-sense care.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it's very common in Brazilian business culture to justify risk mitigation strategies.
Both are used. 'Fizeram' is more grammatically formal, 'faz' is more common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese.
Yes, the proverb is fixed. You cannot say 'beef broth' or 'vegetable soup'.
It is traditional, but not 'dead'. People of all ages use it, though it has a 'wise elder' vibe.
'Caldo' is a clear broth; 'canja' usually includes rice and shredded chicken. Both work in the proverb.
Yes, if someone is being ridiculously over-cautious, you can say it with a slight roll of the eyes.
Absolutely. It is a pan-Lusophone proverb.
It ends with a nasal 'ein' sound, similar to the end of 'main' in French but with a 'y' glide.
Yes: 'Cautela e canja'.
No, it's almost always used metaphorically for taking care.
Related Phrases
Seguro morreu de velho
synonymThe cautious person lives a long life.
Mais vale prevenir que remediar
similarBetter to prevent than to cure.
Gato escaldado tem medo de água fria
builds onOnce bitten, twice shy.
Quem não arrisca, não petisca
contrastNothing ventured, nothing gained.
