Portuguese Phrase
Vamos levar guarda-chuvas, por via das dúvidas.
Meaning
The sentence suggests that the speakers should take umbrellas with them, just in case it rains. The idiom ‘por via das dúvidas’ adds a nuance of precaution, implying that the weather forecast is uncertain.
When to use
Use this phrase when you’re heading out with a group and the weather forecast is unclear, or whenever you want to stress that you’re preparing for a possible inconvenience.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vamoslevarguarda-chuvas,porviadasdúvidas.
Vamos + infinitivo
‘Vamos’ is the first‑person plural of ‘ir’ used as a ‘future of intention’; it is followed by an infinitive verb (levar) to express a plan.
Guarda‑chuvas (compound noun)
A hyphenated compound noun; the plural is formed by adding –s to the second element (chuvas).
Por via das dúvidas
An idiomatic expression meaning ‘just in case’ or ‘to be on the safe side’; literally ‘by way of the doubts’.
Comma usage
A comma separates the main clause from the idiomatic phrase, mirroring spoken pauses.
🗨In Conversation
Vamos levar guarda-chuvas, por via das dúvidas.
Let's take umbrellas, just in case.
Boa ideia! Não queremos ficar encharcados se chover.
Good idea! We don’t want to get soaked if it rains.
✕Common Mistakes
Vamos levar guarda-chuvas, por via de dúvidas.
The correct preposition is ‘das’, not ‘de’; the idiom is fixed as ‘por via das dúvidas’.
Vamos levar guarda-chuva, por via das dúvidas.
When referring to multiple umbrellas, use the plural ‘guarda-chuvas’.
Vamos levar guarda-chuvas, por via das duvidas.
The word needs an accent on the ‘ú’; without it the spelling is incorrect.
↔Alternatives
Vamos levar guarda-chuvas, por precaução.
Let's take umbrellas, as a precaution.
Vamos levar guarda-chuvas, caso chova.
Let's take umbrellas, in case it rains.
É melhor levar guarda-chuvas, por via das dúvidas.
It's better to bring umbrellas, just in case.
Cultural Tip
‘Por via das dúvidas’ is a colloquial Brazilian Portuguese expression. It’s more informal than ‘por precaução’ and is often used in everyday conversation when people want to stress a safety net. Avoid using it in very formal writing; opt for ‘por precaução’ or ‘para evitar imprevistos’ instead.