fouling one's own nest
Harming your home
Fouling one's own nest means damaging or undermining the place, group, or situation that provides you with security or livelihood.
The expression draws from the observation that birds instinctively keep their nests clean, so fouling one's nest suggests behavior that goes against basic self-interest.
Someone who publicly criticizes their own company, spreads rumors about family members, or pollutes their own community is fouling their nest.
He fouled his own nest by badmouthing the firm that had employed him for twenty years.
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- betrayal of trustBreaking promised loyalty
- breach of trustViolation of confidence
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
- bad faithIntentional deception in dealings
airing dirty laundry · pollution · contamination · hypocrisy · exploitation · dishonor · abuse of power · betrayal · duplicity · burning bridges · recklessness · habitat destruction · disgrace · fraud · inside job · infamy · short-sightedness · self-sabotage
fouling one's own nestkeeping house
Managing domestic affairs
homemaking · nesting · housekeeping · stewardship · home improvement
fouling one's own nestlooking out for number one
Prioritizing personal gain above others
enlightened self-interest · self-preservation · playing it safe · hedging one's bets · thinking ahead
fouling one's own nestcircling the wagons
Unifying against outside attack
closing ranks · tribal loyalty · omertà · having someone's back · blood is thicker than water
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