diff --git a/.github/pull_request_template.md b/.github/pull_request_template.md
index c9c22f92..606b0b10 100644
--- a/.github/pull_request_template.md
+++ b/.github/pull_request_template.md
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 <!-- Keep it short. The diff says what changed; this says why. -->
+<!-- Normal work targets `develop`. Use `main` only for a version promotion, an urgent hotfix or a correction to public repository governance. -->
 
 ## What and why
 
diff --git a/AGENTS.md b/AGENTS.md
index f203ecfb..bd978c97 100644
--- a/AGENTS.md
+++ b/AGENTS.md
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ Two things are deliberately not:
 
 ## Git workflow
 
-- `main` is the latest public release and must remain deployable
+- `main` is the stable, deployable line
 - `develop` integrates the next version
 - Branch normal work from `develop` using `feat/`, `fix/`, `docs/`, `refactor/`, `test/` or `chore/`
 - Open normal pull requests into `develop`
diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 53a1d075..6a2f1c18 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -31,8 +31,8 @@ only to check the real production bundle.
 
 ## Branching and releases
 
-`main` represents the latest public release and must remain deployable. Normal development is
-integrated in `develop` before it reaches `main`.
+`main` is the stable, deployable line. Normal development is integrated in `develop` before it
+reaches `main`.
 
 For regular work, branch from `develop` and open a pull request back into `develop`. Use a name that
 describes the change: