look out for number one
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See also: look out for Number One
English[edit]
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Etymology[edit]
Attested since the 1830s at the latest.
Pronunciation[edit]
Audio (AU) (file)
Verb[edit]
look out for number one (third-person singular simple present looks out for number one, present participle looking out for number one, simple past and past participle looked out for number one)
- (idiomatic) To act in one's own interests; to act in a manner advantageous primarily to oneself.
- 1833, George Washington Light, “Sketches of Character: A Schemer”, in The Essayist: A Young Men's Magazine[1], volume 1, G.W. Light & Company, page 318:
- S.—Ah—get out. Look out for number one—that's my doctrine; and let others do the same;—and if they don't, why, the flats must be contented with being gulled—that's all. It is n't my look-out, if a man does n't know enough, or does n't think enough, or is n't careful enough: if I can shave him a little by fair and honorable means, I have a right to do so.
F.—You learnt that creed in Foolsborough; you'll recant in Gallowsberg, if you do n't look out. As to your shaving, my boy, if you do n't get pretty cleverly shaved with a handsaw, it will be because the dressing-room of Providence is too respectable for lubberly fellows like you.
- 1846, “Moral Responsibilities”, in The British Friend: A Monthly Journal Chiefly Devoted to the Interests of the Society of Friends[2], volume 4, number 8, page 204:
- The idea is but too prevalent in almost every community, that a man has discharged his duties as a citizen, well enough, if he minds his own business and does not meddle with the affairs of his neighbours. "Look out for Number One," is a great fundamental maxim, which is in every body's mouth, and which every body takes credit to himself for acting upon. It is preached to us sometimes from the pulpit even, and Christians, as well as infidels, pride themselves upon the assiduity with which they can look out for "Number One." We do not intend to deny that this number one is a very important personage, and should be duly cared and provided for: neither shall we dispute that it is one of the highest virtues a man can possess, to act upon the good old motto of "mind your own business." But we must protest against making this the standing plea and excuse, for hanging back from every great and good work which is to be done for humanity, when there is so much need of all the help that can be got, to aid in the noble task, which every man is born to assist in fulfilling—that of blessing and elevating the race. / We are too apt to forget that we are moral, as well as animal beings; that we have souls, as well as bodies; that besides our individuality, we stand in the closest relationship to the whole family of man, all of whom are our brothers and our sisters, and towards whom, we are under obligations, the most solemn and binding. In short, we are too selfish altogether. The "Main Chance" is the popular idea; not the main chance that lies between heaven and hell; the hopes of the one and the fears of the other are but secondary to the main chance of getting rich and attaining popularity. […] This is a great mistake, and one which is productive of much evil […]
- 1870, Horatio Alger, chapter 3, in Rufus and Rose:
- "I'm a poor widder, Mr. Martin, and I must look out for number one. I can't afford to keep boarders that don't pay their bills."
- 1906, Mark Twain, What is Man?:
- Old Man: A man performs but ONE duty—the duty of contenting his spirit, the duty of making himself agreeable to himself. . . . [H]e always looks out for Number One.
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