The shoemaker's son always goes barefoot: Learn what the means through example!

What does “The shoemaker's son always goes barefoot” mean?

"The shoemaker's son always goes barefoot" means that sometimes people neglect or overlook their own needs or the needs of their loved ones while focusing on helping others.

What context can I use the in?

Example

The therapist always gives great advice to her clients, but she never takes her own advice. It's like the shoemaker's son always goes barefoot.

Example

The chef is known for cooking delicious meals for others, but when it comes to his own meals, he often eats simple and basic food. It's a classic case of the shoemaker's son always goes barefoot.

Example

The teacher spends hours helping her students with their homework, but she rarely has time to do her own. She's a perfect example of the shoemaker's son always goes barefoot

Is “The shoemaker's son always goes barefoot” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“The shoemaker's son always goes barefoot” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “The shoemaker's son always goes barefoot” effectively in context?

You can use "The shoemaker's son always goes barefoot" to describe a situation where someone neglects their own needs or the needs of their loved ones while focusing on helping others. For example, if a friend is always giving advice to others but never takes their own advice, you might say, 'It's like the shoemaker's son always goes barefoot.'

  • 1Advice

    The therapist always gives great advice to her clients, but she never takes her own advice. It's like the shoemaker's son always goes barefoot.

  • 2Cooking

    The chef is known for cooking delicious meals for others, but when it comes to his own meals, he often eats simple and basic food. It's a classic case of the shoemaker's son always goes barefoot.

  • 3Time Management

    The teacher spends hours helping her students with their homework, but she rarely has time to do her own. She's a perfect example of the shoemaker's son always goes barefoot.

Similar phrases to “The shoemaker's son always goes barefoot”:

Charity begins at home

Taking care of one's own family and loved ones should be a priority before helping others.

Example

He spends all his time volunteering for charity, but his own family is struggling. Charity begins at home.

Physician, heal thyself

Before offering advice or help to others, one should first address their own issues or shortcomings.

Example

He's always giving relationship advice, but his own marriage is falling apart. Physician, heal thyself.

Take care of yourself before helping others, just like on an airplane where you're instructed to put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others.

Example

She's always taking care of everyone else, but she needs to put her own oxygen mask on first.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “The shoemaker's son always goes barefoot” come from?

The origin of the phrase "The shoemaker's son always goes barefoot" is unknown.

Is “The shoemaker's son always goes barefoot” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "The shoemaker's son always goes barefoot" is a common proverb that is used in everyday conversation. It is often used to highlight the irony or neglect of someone who prioritizes others over themselves or their loved ones.

What tone does “The shoemaker's son always goes barefoot” have?

"The shoemaker's son always goes barefoot" conveys a tone of irony and criticism. It is often used to point out the neglect or oversight of someone who fails to take care of their own needs or the needs of their loved ones.

Can “The shoemaker's son always goes barefoot” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "The shoemaker's son always goes barefoot" is informal and can be used in casual conversations with friends, family, and colleagues. It may not be suitable for more formal or professional settings.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She always helps others but neglects herself, like the shoemaker's son always goes barefoot.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'The shoemaker's son always goes barefoot!' to imply neglect or oversight.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

  • neglect one's own
  • prioritize others over oneself
  • overlook personal needs
  • focus on others at the expense of oneself

Antonyms

  • put oneself first
  • take care of one's own
  • prioritize personal needs
  • balance helping others with self-care

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