it's an ill bird that fouls its own nest
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
A condemnation of anyone who damages their own group, reputation or interests.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
They say it's an ill bird that fouls its own nest. My own feeling is that a well-behaved bird will neither foul its own nest nor another's, but that, finding it in any wise foul, it will openly say so, and clean it.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “it's an ill bird that fouls its own nest” mean?
A condemnation of anyone who damages their own group, reputation or interests.
Is “it's an ill bird that fouls its own nest” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.