A proverb meaning one should leave things in order and not leave a mess behind — literally, 'a departing bird does not foul the nest.'
彼は会社を辞めるとき、立つ鳥跡を濁さず、後任への引き継ぎも丁寧にした。
When he left the company, he cleaned up after himself and carefully handed things over to his successor.
立つ鳥跡を濁さず、最後まで誠実に対応するべきだ。
One should act honestly until the end and not leave a mess behind.
この諺は人付き合いでもよく使われる。例えば借りた物はきちんと返すことを意味する。
This proverb is often used in relationships; for example, it means to return borrowed items properly.