expression, godan verb (-su)
leave a bad impression behind; leave things in a mess
Idiomatic expression often used in the negative form 跡を濁さない or in the proverb 立つ鳥跡を濁さず. It means to leave a place or situation in a worse state than one found it, or to behave in a way that leaves a negative memory.
See also: 立つ鳥跡を濁さず (たつとりあとをにごさず)
彼は辞める前に、きちんと仕事を片付けて跡を濁さなかった。
Before quitting, he tidied up his work and didn't leave a bad impression behind.
As the saying goes, 'a bird leaving does not muddy the water,' so act responsibly to the very end.