can't see further than (the end of) (one's) (own) nose

can't see further than (the end of) (one's) (own) nose

1. To lack the ability to foresee problems, issues, or obligations beyond the present or immediate future. Our boss is ambitious, but she can't see further than her nose when it comes to scheduling projects with realistic deadlines. The future of our world is being dictated by the greedy leaders of corporations who can't see further than the end of their own noses. Lisa can't see further than the end of her own nose, so I doubt that she knows where this project will be in six months.

2. To be so preoccupied with oneself or one's own problems as to be unaware of or indifferent to larger issues or other people. My ex-husband was always so wrapped up in work that he couldn't see further than the end of his nose, hardly ever making any time for me or the kids. Plenty of people will voice their concern for those in need of help, but when it actually comes to doing anything helpful, they can't see any further than their own noses. Jim is so concerned about getting ahead in business that he can't see further than his nose anymore.

See also: end, further, nose, see

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

cannot see further than (the end of) your nose

be unwilling or fail to consider different possibilities or to foresee the consequences of your actions.

See also: cannot, further, nose, see

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

cannot see further than the end of one’s nose

verb

See see no further than the end of one’s nose

See also: cannot, end, further, nose, of, see

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.