跡あとを濁にごす

expression, godan verb (-su)

leave a bad impression behind; leave things in a mess

Idiomatic expression often used in the negative form 跡を濁さない or in the proverb 立つ鳥跡を濁さず. It means to leave a place or situation in a worse state than one found it, or to behave in a way that leaves a negative memory.

See also: 立つ鳥跡を濁さず (たつとりあとをにごさず)

• 彼かれは辞やめる前まえに、きちんと仕し事ごとを片かた付づけて跡あとを濁にごさなかった。

  Before quitting, he tidied up his work and didn't leave a bad impression behind.

• 立たつ鳥とり跡あとを濁にごさずというように、最さい後ごまで責せき任にんを持もって行こう動どうしなさい。

  As the saying goes, 'a bird leaving does not muddy the water,' so act responsibly to the very end.