can't see farther than (one's) nose

can't see farther than (one's) nose

1. Lacks the ability to foresee problems, issues, or obligations beyond the present or immediate future. Our boss is ambitious, but she can't see farther than her nose when it comes to scheduling projects with realistic deadlines.

2. Is 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 farther than his nose, hardly ever making any time for me or the kids.

See also: farther, nose, see

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