take care of number one

take care of number one

To put one's own needs, concerns, or responsibilities before those of anyone else. The only way you're going to get ahead in this business is if you take care of number one. It doesn't make you a selfish person if you look take care of number one from time to time. Just don't do it exclusively.
See also: care, number, of, one, take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

take care of number one

 and take care of numero uno
to take care of oneself. Mike, like everybody else, is most concerned with taking care of number one. If you don't take care of numero uno, who will?
See also: care, number, of, one, take
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

take care of (or look after) number one

be selfishly absorbed in protecting your own person and interests. informal
See also: care, number, of, one, take
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

take care of number one

and take care of numero uno
tv. to take care of oneself. (see also number one, numero uno.) Arthur, like everybody else, is most concerned with taking care of number one.
See also: care, number, of, one, take
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • at will
  • be on (one's) pat
  • be hoist by (one's) own petard
  • be hoist with (one's) own petard
  • be hoist with one's own petard
  • be hoist/hoisted by/with your own petard
  • be on (one's) tod
  • about (one's) business
  • about business
  • a/(one's) 20
References in classic literature
`Everybody look after himself, and take care of number one'?"
that is a selfish, heathenish saying, whoever uses it; and any man who thinks he has nothing to do but take care of number one, why, it's a pity but what he had been drowned like a puppy or a kitten, before he got his eyes open; that's what I think," said John, with a very decided jerk of his head.
Black Beauty