not see beyond the end of one's nose

Meaning: To have a narrow outlook and ignore anything beyond one's immediate concerns.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Example: “The council can't see beyond the end of its nose when it comes to parking.”

Category: Body & Senses

Origin: The nose is the nearest thing one can see. Versions of the phrase are recorded from the 16th century.

Equivalents in other languages

many hands make light work — A job is easier when many people share it.
right under one's nose — Very close, yet unnoticed.
bend over backwards — To make a great effort to help or please someone.
beauty is in the eye of the beholder — What one person finds beautiful another may not.
play into someone's hands — To act in a way that unintentionally helps an opponent.
Tomber dans les pommes — Suddenly losing consciousness — possibly derived from the older expression 'être dans les…

word gets around — News and rumors spread quickly from person to person.
shut the stable door after the horse has bolted — To take precautions only after the harm is done.
kick the cat — To take out one's anger on someone weaker or innocent.
Rome wasn't built in a day — Important things take time.
better late than never — It is better to do something late than not at all.
be afraid of one's own shadow — To be very timid and easily frightened.

Blunda — To close your eyes on purpose — and, by extension, to knowingly refuse to see something.
Fredagsmys — The Friday-night ritual of soft clothes, snacks and television with the people you live w…
Gökotta — Rising at first light for no reason but to go outside and hear the birds sing.