em casa de ferreiro, o espeto é de pau
Portuguese
[edit]Alternative forms
[edit]Etymology
[edit]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
[edit]em casa de ferreiro, o espeto é de pau
Usage notes
[edit]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.