Meaning
There's no place like home for comfort, safety, and healing; home is powerful.
Cultural Background
In Portugal, this phrase is often linked to the idea of 'convalescença' (convalescence) in rural areas, where the home was the primary place of care. Brazilians might use 'Remédio santo' more broadly to describe any effective solution, but the full proverb is recognized as a 'Portuguese' traditional saying. In Luanda, the proverb maintains its formal status and is used to emphasize the importance of family and domestic stability. The concept of 'Morabeza' (hospitality) complements this proverb, as the home is seen as a place of ultimate welcome and healing.
Use it for relief
This is the perfect phrase to say when you finally sit down after a stressful day. It shows great cultural fluency.
Don't over-analyze 'tanto'
In this context, 'tanto' just means 'great' or 'excellent'. Don't try to translate it as 'so much'.
Meaning
There's no place like home for comfort, safety, and healing; home is powerful.
Use it for relief
This is the perfect phrase to say when you finally sit down after a stressful day. It shows great cultural fluency.
Don't over-analyze 'tanto'
In this context, 'tanto' just means 'great' or 'excellent'. Don't try to translate it as 'so much'.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
Remédio ______ é casa e ______.
The fixed form of the proverb uses 'santo' and 'tanto'.
Which situation best fits the proverb?
You just spent 12 hours in an airport and finally sat on your own sofa.
This proverb is specifically about the relief and healing of being home.
Choose the most natural response.
Ana: 'Ainda te sentes mal da gripe?' Pedro: 'Um pouco, mas estar aqui no meu quarto ajuda muito...'
Pedro is talking about how his room (home) helps him feel better from the flu.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesRemédio ______ é casa e ______.
The fixed form of the proverb uses 'santo' and 'tanto'.
You just spent 12 hours in an airport and finally sat on your own sofa.
This proverb is specifically about the relief and healing of being home.
Ana: 'Ainda te sentes mal da gripe?' Pedro: 'Um pouco, mas estar aqui no meu quarto ajuda muito...'
Pedro is talking about how his room (home) helps him feel better from the flu.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, but it is less common than in Portugal. Brazilians are more likely to say 'Não há lugar como o nosso lar'.
Absolutely. It is very common to use it when seeking peace of mind after a breakup or a stressful period.
It's an idiom meaning 'of great quality'. For example, 'um carro e tanto' is 'quite a car'.
Related Phrases
Em casa é que se está bem
synonymAt home is where one is well.
Remédio santo
specialized formA miracle cure.
Casa roubada, trancas à porta
contrastLocking the door after the house is robbed.
