em casa de ferreiro, o espeto é de pau

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Portuguese

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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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

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em casa de ferreiro, o espeto é de pau

  1. the shoemaker's children go barefoot

Usage notes

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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.