Feather one's nest
Meaning
To enrich oneself, especially by taking advantage of one's position or opportunities, often selfishly or dishonestly.
Origin
Imagine a bird meticulously gathering the softest feathers to line its nest, creating a luxurious, warm haven for its young. This vivid image from the natural world gave rise to the phrase in 16th-century English. Just as a bird ensures its own comfort and security, humans began to 'feather their nests' by accumulating wealth or resources for themselves and their families. The idiom beautifully captures the human inclination to build a comfortable, secure personal domain, much like a bird preparing its home, often with the subtle implication of doing so through self-serving means or at the expense of others.
Examples
- The former mayor was accused of feathering his own nest by awarding lucrative contracts to companies he secretly owned.
- Instead of investing in the company's growth, the executive seemed more focused on feathering her nest with exorbitant bonuses.