see past the end of one's nose
Word Rarity
Uncommon
Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.10 in modern English
32
Scrabble Score
23
Letters
2
Syllables
10
Unique Chars
Meaning
verb
To have insight into underlying facts or consequences; to possess common sense or a vision for the future.
Example Sentences
- "“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."