em casa de ferreiro, o espeto é de pau

Portuguese

Alternative forms

• casa de ferreiro, espeto de pau

Etymology

Literally, “in (the) blacksmith's house, the skewer is (made) of wood”. Compare Spanish en casa de herrero, cuchillo de palo (“in the blacksmith's house, wooden knife”).

Proverb

em casa de ferreiro, o espeto é de pau

1. the shoemaker's children go barefoot

Usage notes

Used to refer to someone who, despite skilled in a craft, does not use it in their own favor, or when certain things or attitudes are missing precisely where they would be most appropriate or expected.