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Region: UK | Usage example: The new policy was criticized as a way for executives to feather their nests.

Feather your nest

Meaning

Enrich oneself, often at others' expense.

Usage

Used critically about self-serving behavior.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Birds lining nests with feathers for comfort.

17th-century English idiom with moral overtones.

Related Idioms

Feather one's nest

Enrich oneself, often at someone else's expense.

Feather in your cap

An achievement to be proud of.

Put your money where your mouth is

Support words with action or investment.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.