contemplate your navel

contemplate (one's) navel

To be excessively focused on one's personal problems or concerns. Good luck getting John's attention—he's too busy contemplating his navel to help anybody else.
See also: contemplate, navel
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

contemplate your navel

spend time complacently considering yourself or your own interests; concentrate on one issue at the expense of a wider view.
See also: contemplate, navel
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • contemplate
  • contemplate (one's) navel
  • gaze
  • navel
  • gaze at (one's) navel
  • contemplation
  • navel-contemplation
  • navel-gazing
  • low blow
  • breakneck
References in periodicals archive
Life is too short to contemplate your navel. Go contemplate someone else's.
Tricks and treats: as mercury retrogrades our communications may go awry
You r only r ecourse would be to ascend some far flung mountain and contemplate your navel amongst the wildlife living there, although I am sure they would soon sense what you are and give you a very wide berth.
Discerning gays; YouSay Email:letters@liverpoolecho.co.uk
This butts out quite neatly into the back garden and is a pleasant area to sit and read, have morning coffee, the occasional barbecue, or sunbathe and contemplate your navel.
Hedging your bets on privacy
SCORPIO: There is still work to be done and fun to have in love but not if you 'contemplate your navel' - go get 'em tiger!
Stars
Master of ceremonies Canon Bryan Bjerring introduced a video tribute produced by Anglican Video, featuring advice from retired South African archbishop Desmond Tutu ("Michael, throw away the diary for a little while and contemplate your navel!") and some words from the presiding bishop of the U.S.
Synod bids warm farewell to Peers: dinner features video tribute