see no further than the end of nose

see no 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. The future of our world is being dictated by the greedy leaders of corporations who can see no further than the end of their own noses.

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 could see no further than the end of his nose, hardly ever making any time for me or the kids.

See also: end, further, no, nose, see

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

see no further than the end of one's nose

 and cannot see (any) further than the end of one's nose; can't see beyond the end of one's nose

Fig. to be narrow-minded; to lack understanding and perception. She is so selfish she can see no further than the end of her nose. You don't care about any one but yourself. You can't see any further than the end of your nose.

See also: end, further, no, nose, of, see

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.