looking out for number one
Self-interested survival mode
Looking out for number one means prioritizing one's own interests and well-being above others'.
Number one is oneself: In this business, you have to look out for number one.
The phrase can be neutral—sensible self-care—or carry connotations of selfishness depending on context.
Sometimes shortened to look out for number one as advice or life philosophy.
- self-absorbedExcessively focused inward
- self-servingBenefiting oneself primarily
- egoismDoctrine of self-motivation
- self-careMaintaining personal wellbeing
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
opportunism · watch your back · self-sufficiency · selfishness · independence · self-determination · self-promotion · ambition · survival instinct · me-first · every man for himself · self-justification · self-reliance · pragmatism · competitiveness · climb the ladder · get ahead · resourcefulness
looking out for number onealtruism
Prioritizing others' wellbeing
selflessness · self-sacrifice · servant leadership · generosity · serving others
looking out for number onegenerosity
Readiness to give freely
charity · magnanimity · benevolence · philanthropy · self-denial
looking out for number onenoble-mindedness
Moral elevation of character
virtue · moral courage · integrity · honor · Mother Teresa
looking, looked, looker, overlooked, overlooking, number, numbers, numbered, numbering