en casa de herrero, cuchillo de palo
En casa de herrero, cuchillo de palo, pero él siempre ayuda a los demás.
The blacksmith's children have wooden knives, but he always helps others.
A proverb highlighting the irony of professionals or experts neglecting their own needs while serving others.
El médico nunca tiene tiempo para sus propios chequeos médicos.
The doctor never has time for his own medical check-ups.
El profesor de cocina come comida rápida todos los días.
The cooking teacher eats fast food every day.
This proverb is often used to point out the irony when someone who should know better fails to apply their expertise to their own life.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Cultural Context
This proverb is often used in a lighthearted or self-deprecating way, but it can also carry a critical tone depending on the context.
Gold Rule
Usage Rule
Use this proverb when pointing out the irony of someone neglecting their own needs while helping others, especially if they are an expert in that area.
Word Origin
The proverb originates from the idea that a blacksmith (herrero) would have the tools and skills to make high-quality knives, yet his own children would use a wooden knife (cuchillo de palo), implying neglect of his own family's needs.
Usage Notes
This proverb is commonly used in Spanish-speaking cultures to humorously or critically point out situations where professionals or experts fail to apply their knowledge or resources to their own lives.