← Back to Fala2Me

be self-serving

[/biː ˈsɛlf ˈsɜːrvɪŋ/]
verb phrase
ser interesseiro/interesseira
1. to act in a way that benefits oneself rather than others; to prioritize personal interests over the common good or fairness
His decision to fire the whistleblower was clearly self-serving.
Sua decisão de demitir o denunciante foi claramente interesseira.
2. to make statements or take actions motivated by personal gain rather than principle or truth
The politician's apology seemed self-serving and insincere.
O pedido de desculpas do político parecia interesseiro e insincero.
NYC Slang
looking out for number one
Synonyms
be selfishbe opportunisticbe self-interestedact for personal gainput oneself first
Antonyms
be selflessbe altruisticbe generousput others firstact for the common good

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser interesseiro/interesseira
Most common usage; also 'agir por interesse próprio'
Rio de Janeiro
ser interesseiro
Common colloquial usage
São Paulo
ser interesseiro/ser egocêntrico
Both terms widely used in business and professional contexts
Portugal
ser egoísta/ser interesseiro
Egoísta is more commonly used in European Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

have an axe to grind
play both sides against the middle
line one's pockets
put one's own interests first
wear one's heart on one's sleeve (antonym)
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →