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 reminder to clean up after oneself.
See also: 跡を濁す (あとをにごす) · 立つ鳥跡を濁さず
At the campsite, let's take our trash home in the spirit of 'a bird does not foul the nest it is about to leave.'
When leaving a job, I want to leave without causing trouble, making sure to hand over properly.
Variant with 立つ instead of 飛ぶ; essentially the same meaning and usage.
The core phrase meaning 'to leave a mess behind'; used in the negative form in the proverb.
A traditional Japanese proverb. The imagery of a bird not soiling its nest before departure is used to teach the virtue of leaving a place clean and orderly.