o seguro morreu de velho

You usually drop this phrase as a standalone justification. Someone asks why you brought an umbrella on a sunny day? You say o seguro morreu de velho. It acts as a polite way to end an argument about being 'too' careful. Use it to show you are a practical, forward-thinking person. It is very common in spoken Portuguese across all age groups.

Use it when checking your passport for the fifth time. Use it when saving a document twice in different folders. It fits perfectly when you decide to leave for the airport four hours early. If you are texting a friend about bringing an extra jacket, this is your go-to line. It turns your 'paranoia' into a respected cultural trait.

Avoid it in high-stakes emergency situations where quick action is needed. Do not use it if someone is being dangerously reckless; it is too lighthearted for that. It might sound a bit dismissive if someone is genuinely grieving a loss. Also, do not use it to justify being lazy or avoiding work. It is about safety, not procrastination.

Portuguese culture values the 'prevenido' (the prepared person). This proverb has been around for centuries and is deeply rooted in folk wisdom. It reflects a Mediterranean and Atlantic cautiousness regarding fate. In Brazil and Portugal, family members often use it to nag younger people into being careful. It is a linguistic hug from a worried grandmother.

You might hear people say pelo sim, pelo não (for the yes or the no). Another cousin is canja de galinha e cautela não fazem mal a ninguém. This means 'chicken soup and caution hurt nobody.' However, the 'old man' version remains the most iconic and punchy choice for daily life.