lɛt ˈsliːpɪŋ dɒɡz laɪ
Animals
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- To not disturb dogs that are sleeping
What does "let sleeping dogs lie" mean?
- To avoid interfering with a situation that is currently stable
- To not bring up old problems or controversies
Examples
- Don't bring up the old argument—let sleeping dogs lie.
- We should let sleeping dogs lie rather than reopening the investigation.
- It's best to let sleeping dogs lie regarding his past.
Origin
From the practical wisdom of not disturbing a sleeping dog that might wake up aggressive. First recorded in the 14th century.
How to use it
Advises against stirring up settled issues. Implies that interference could cause problems.
Similar expressions
leave well enough alone
don't stir up trouble
avoid old issues
Opposites
dig up the past
reopen old wounds
stir things up
Related idioms
- kill two birds with one stone
To accomplish two goals with a single action
- let the cat out of the bag
To reveal a secret accidentally
- elephant in the room
An obvious problem or issue that everyone is aware of but no one wants to discuss
- don't count your chickens before they hatch
Don't assume success before it actually happens
- hold your horses
To wait and be patient
- fish out of water
Someone who feels awkward or uncomfortable in a particular situation
Use it in a practice answer
Try "let sleeping dogs lie" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.