立たつ鳥とり跡あとを濁にごさず

expression

a bird does not foul the nest it is about to leave; clean up after yourself when leaving

Proverb meaning one should leave a place tidy and not cause trouble for those who come after. Often used as a metaphor for leaving a job, home, or situation gracefully.

See also: 跡を濁す

• 「立たつ鳥とり跡あとを濁にごさず」というから、退たい職しょくする前まえにきちんと引ひき継つぎをしよう。

  As the saying goes, 'a bird does not foul the nest it is about to leave,' so let's do a proper handover before I resign.

• 引ひっ越こしのときは立たつ鳥とり跡あとを濁にごさず、部屋へやをきれいに掃そう除じした。

  When moving out, I cleaned the room thoroughly, as one should leave no mess behind.