proverb · Words worth keeping
It’s an ill bird that fouls its own nest.
It’s an ill bird that fouls its own nest.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The saying condemns a bird that fouls its own nest. As an analogy, it criticises conduct that damages a shared home or supporting relationship.
What the words are saying
Own makes the harm appear to reach the actor’s surroundings as well as others. A responsible application can discuss an actual destructive action without equating honest criticism with damage. The phrase does not verify bird behaviour or require concealing wrongdoing to protect a group’s reputation.
Everyday example
A member raises a real concern responsibly while helping repair the shared arrangement.
When to use it
Use it to distinguish destructive conduct from truthful criticism and repair.
What it does not mean
Truthful reporting is not automatically disloyal or harmful, and no animal-behaviour rule is verified.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 266; PDF page 41
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.