foul your own nest

foul (one's) own nest

To do something that causes problems for oneself. I'm pretty sure I fouled my own nest when I accidentally insulted the boss's daughter at the Christmas party.

See also: foul, nest, own

foul your own nest

LITERARY

If someone fouls their own nest, they do something which harms themselves and damages their chances of success. Man has invented a hundred ways of fouling his own nest — the grime, the pollution, the heat, the poisons in the air, the metals in the water.

See also: foul, nest, own

foul your own nest

do something damaging or harmful to yourself or your own interests.

The proverb it's an ill bird that fouls its own nest , used of a person who criticizes or abuses their own country or family, has been found in English since the early 15th century.

See also: foul, nest, own