1. To lack the ability to foresee problems, issues, or obligations beyond the present or immediate future. Our boss is ambitious, but she can't see further than her nose when it comes to scheduling projects with realistic deadlines. The future of our world is being dictated by the greedy leaders of corporations who can't see further than the end of their own noses.

2. To be so preoccupied with oneself or one's own problems as to be unaware of or indifferent to larger issues or other people. My ex-husband was always so wrapped up in work that he couldn't see further than the end of his nose, hardly ever making any time for me or the kids. Plenty of people will voice their concern for those in need of help, but when it actually comes to doing anything helpful, they can't see any further than their own noses.