en casa de herrero, cuchillo de palo

Spanish

Alternative forms

• en casa del herrero, cuchillo de palo

Etymology

Literally, “in the blacksmith's house, wooden knife”. Compare Portuguese em casa de ferreiro, o espeto é de pau.

Pronunciation

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Proverb

en casa de herrero, cuchillo de palo

1. the shoemaker's children go barefoot (indicates that certain things or attitudes are missing precisely where they would be appropriate or expected)