1 C1 idiomatic informal
To overcome one's own selfishness, pride, or personal limitations in service of a goal or others.
"To be a good leader, you have to be able to get past yourself and truly listen to your team."
get past oneself
C1 informal transitive
To move beyond one's own personal limitations, ego, or self-centred perspective in order to achieve something greater.
In plain English
To stop letting your own fears, pride, or selfishness block you from doing what you need to do.
What does "get past oneself" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
To stop allowing one's own insecurities or fears to be an obstacle.
"The hardest part of public speaking is getting past yourself and just focusing on your message."
Usage tip
Less common than 'get over oneself'. Often used in spiritual, motivational, or therapeutic contexts. Suggests a more earnest, reflective effort than the impatient tone of 'get over oneself'. Rare in everyday casual speech.
Words that pair with "get past oneself"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
ego fears pride limitations need to able to reluctance
How to conjugate "get past oneself"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
get past oneself
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gets past oneself
he/she/it
Past simple
got past oneself
yesterday
Past participle
got/gotten past oneself
have + pp
-ing form
getting past oneself
continuous
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Other ways to say "get past oneself"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
be selfless get out of one's own way move beyond oneself overcome one's ego set aside one's pride transcend oneself
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