it's an ill bird that fouls its own nest

it's an ill bird that fouls its own nest

proverb An unwise or disreputable person does things that ultimately cause them problems. A: "Oh man, why would he say something insulting like that about the boss's daughter at the holiday party? B: "I don't know—it's an ill bird that fouls its own nest."

See also: an, bird, foul, ill, nest, own, that

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

It's an ill bird that fouls its own nest.

Prov. Only a foolish or dishonorable person would bring dishonor to his or her self or his or her surroundings.; Only a bad person would ruin the place where he or she lives. (See also foul one's own nest.) I don't like my new neighbor. Not only does he never mow his lawn, he covers it with all kinds of trash. It's an ill bird that fouls its own nest.

See also: an, bird, foul, ill, nest, own, that

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.