Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Meaning: Don’t bring up an old problem or argument that isn’t causing trouble now.
This English proverb has been around since the 14th century. It means don’t stir up old problems or restart disputes that are no longer causing trouble. Even if an issue was never fully resolved, it’s often wiser to leave it alone. Similar sayings include “Don’t rock the boat” and “Never trouble trouble till trouble troubles you.”
How to use it
Use it to advise someone not to restart a conflict or dig into something that could cause new trouble. It’s common in both casual and work conversations and sounds wise rather than rude. People often say “I’d let sleeping dogs lie” or “Just let sleeping dogs lie.”
Examples
- They made up after the fight, so I’d let sleeping dogs lie.
- I thought about mentioning the old budget mistake in the meeting, but I decided to let sleeping dogs lie.
- Should I ask my ex why we broke up? Maybe I should just let sleeping dogs lie.
A common mistake
It’s lie, not “lay” and not “sleep.” “Lay” needs an object (lay the book down), but a dog lies down on its own.
Where it comes from
A very similar line appears in Geoffrey Chaucer’s poem “Troilus and Criseyde” from the 1380s, which says it’s not good to wake a sleeping hound. The idea is simple: a dog that is woken up may bite.
Say it out loud
Tabbi Daily gives you one short lesson like this every day. Listen, record yourself and hear how you sound. Free, no account needed.
Source: Wikipedia