can't see beyond the end of (one's) nose

Is preoccupied with oneself and unable to notice or focus on anything else. Of course she's oblivious to the growing homeless population in our city—she can't see beyond the end of her nose. My ex-husband was always so wrapped up in work that he couldn't see beyond the end of his nose, hardly ever making any time for me or the kids. Jim is so concerned about getting ahead in business that he can't see beyond the end of his nose anymore.

not see beyond your nose

not see beyond the end of your nose

If someone can't see beyond their nose, or can't see beyond the end of their nose, they think only about themselves and their immediate needs, rather than about other people or more important issues relating to the future. Where the environment is concerned, sadly, this government can't see beyond the end of its nose. Note: You can replace beyond with further than or past, and see with other verbs. It is high time that British industry started thinking beyond the end of its nose.