foul one's own nest

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   To damage one's environment.

   • Provide them with a mansion, and they will rip out the plumbing, write obscenities on the walls, and generally foul up their own nest.
   • Whatever we do to nature and the environment we will eventually do to ourselves. If we continually foul our own nest, we will pay the price.
   • Large cities foul their own nest as they grow, putting the health of their citizens in jeopardy.
2. 2

   To hurt one's own interests, especially to damage the reputation of one's self, family or…

   To hurt one's own interests, especially to damage the reputation of one's self, family or group.

   • He had concluded, 'Arbitrary violence against them now would be to foul your own nest; mar at the outset the future that is your destiny.
   • In giving vent to these baseless slanders you have now fouled your own nest and sought to discredit the very judgment which you and your two distinguished colleagues have just rendered.”
   • He fouled his own nest. So by now he realizes it was his own fault and he had it coming.

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