foul (one's) nest

foul (one's) nest

To do something that creates problems for oneself. I wouldn't talk to the boss while you're angry—you'll just end up fouling your nest. I'm pretty sure I fouled my nest when I accidentally insulted the boss's daughter at the holiday party. We need to keep him from talking to the media because he would inevitably foul his nest.

See also: foul, nest

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

foul one's nest

Also, foul one's own nest. Hurt one's own interests, as in With his constant complaints about his wife, he's only fouling his own nest. This metaphoric expression transfers a bird's soiling of its nest to human behavior. [Mid-1200s]

See also: foul, nest

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.