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
「立つ鳥跡を濁さず」というから、退職する前にきちんと引き継ぎをしよう。
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.
引っ越しのときは立つ鳥跡を濁さず、部屋をきれいに掃除した。
When moving out, I cleaned the room thoroughly, as one should leave no mess behind.
The verb phrase meaning 'to leave a mess behind' or 'to foul one's own nest'; the proverb uses its negative form.
A traditional Japanese proverb. The imagery is of a bird that leaves its nest clean when departing, implying that people should likewise leave a place in good order.