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be self-interested

[bi sɛlf ˈɪntərəstɪd]
verb phrase
ser interesseiro; agir por interesse próprio
1. to act or behave in a way that prioritizes one's own advantage or benefit, often without concern for others
He tends to be self-interested when it comes to business decisions.
Ele tende a ser interesseiro quando se trata de decisões comerciais.
2. to show concern primarily for one's own welfare or profit
Don't be self-interested; think about the team's needs too.
Não seja interesseiro; pense também nas necessidades do time.
NYC Slang
be all about yourself; be out for number one; be a self-seeker
Synonyms
be self-servingbe egocentricbe selfishprioritize oneselfact out of self-interest
Antonyms
be altruisticbe selflessbe generousbe concerned for othersbe community-minded

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser interesseiro; agir por interesse próprio
Most common usage in Brazilian Portuguese
Rio de Janeiro
ser interesseiro; estar de olho só no lucro
Colloquial variation emphasizing profit motivation
São Paulo
ser interesseiro; pensar só em si mesmo
Common business and professional contexts
Portugal
ser interessado; agir por interesse próprio
European Portuguese prefers 'interessado' over 'interesseiro'

Related Idioms & Phrases

look out for number one
have an axe to grind
be in it for yourself
wear your heart on your sleeve (opposite)
care only about the bottom line
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