cannot see any further than the end of one's nose

can't see (any) further than the end of (one's) 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 any further than her nose when it comes to scheduling projects with realistic deadlines. Planning for the future just doesn't interest Howard—that guy can't see further than the end of his nose. Lisa can't see any further than the end of her 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. Of course she's oblivious to the growing homeless population in our city—she can't see any further than the end of her nose. Jim is so concerned about getting ahead in business that he can't see further than the end of his nose anymore.

See also: end, further, nose, of, see

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

cannot see any further than the end of one’s nose

verb

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

See also: any, 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.