羽はねを畳たたむ

expression, godan verb (-mu)

fold one's wings

Literal action of a bird or insect folding its wings against its body. Also used figuratively for settling down or retiring from active life.

• 鳥とりが枝えだにとまって羽はねを畳たたんだ。

  The bird perched on the branch and folded its wings.

• 彼かれは長なが年ねんの仕し事ごとを終おえ、ようやく羽はねを畳たたむことにした。

  After finishing his long career, he finally decided to fold his wings and retire.