look out for number one

present singular third person looks out for number one · participle present looking out for number one · participle past looked out for number one · past looked out for number one · alternative look for number one · alternative look out for Number One

1. idiomaticTo act in one's own interests; to act in a manner advantageous primarily to oneself.

   "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."

   1870, Horatio Alger, chapter 3, in Rufus and Rose

   2 more examples

   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.

   1833, George Washington Light, “Sketches of Character: A Schemer”, in The Essayist: A Young Men's Magazine, volume 1, G.W. Light & Company, page 318

   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.

   1906, Mark Twain, What is Man?

present singular third person looks out for Number One · participle present looking out for Number One · participle past looked out for Number One · past looked out for Number One

1. alternativeAlternative form of look out for number one.