fouled one's own nest
Ruined one's home
To foul one's own nest is to damage one's own reputation, relationships, or environment through foolish or disloyal behavior—like a bird soiling the place it lives.
The phrase often describes someone who harms their own interests by speaking ill of family, employers, or community: He fouled his own nest by badmouthing the company that gave him his start.
- self-destructionDeliberately causing one's downfall
- negligenceFailure to exercise care
- recklessnessCareless disregard for danger
- disloyaltyBreach of allegiance
- treacheryDeliberate violation of trust
degradation · irresponsibility · dishonesty · deceitfulness · defilement · overconsumption · backstabbing · throwing under bus · burning bridges · exploitation · imprudence · short-sightedness · wastefulness · self-sabotage · self-inflicted wound · corruption · hypocrisy · airing dirty laundry