Meaning of see past the end of one's nose | Babel Free

Definitions

To have insight into underlying facts or consequences; to possess common sense or a vision for the future.

idiomatic

Equivalents

Examples

““If you could find a curator somewhere—I admit this is difficult—who can see beyond the end of his nose, he would be glad to be a true innovator and get out of the international rut.””

“If my mother got on your case for being thoughtless or lacking in prudence or foresight, she likely would declare that you could not "see past the end of your nose".”

““Why didn't you tell me that you couldn't see past the end of your nose?” she demanded. “Do you realize the trouble you've caused?””

“It turned out that the BBC and its panel of newspaper experts couldn't see past the end of their own noses, let alone get a glimpse of the stars. The shortlist for Sports Personality of the Year was an absolute scandal of omission.”

“He probably thought she was an overprotective, neurotic mother who couldn't see past the end of her nose where her son was concerned.”

CEFR level