- To deliberately avoid mentioning or interfering with a past issue, conflict, or situation that is currently calm or forgotten, because doing so might cause new trouble or restart the old problem.
- Leave things as they are to maintain peace, even if unresolved issues remain.
Explanation
Origin
- Based on the literal, practical advice: don't wake up a dog that is sleeping, because it might be startled or angered and bite you.
- Metaphorically, don't 'wake up' old problems or conflicts that have settled down, as it might lead to renewed hostility or trouble.
- The proverb is very old, appearing in similar forms in Chaucer (14th century) and later texts.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Leave it alone / Drop it
- Don't poke the bear (implies provoking someone/something dangerous)
- Not worth the hassle / drama
- Let it go
- Quit while you're ahead (if the current situation is acceptable)
Milder/Standard:
- Best not to revisit that issue
- Let's not stir things up
- Leave the past in the past
- Avoid bringing it up
- It's a settled matter (implies it shouldn't be reopened)
Situational Appropriateness
- Common in informal and semi-formal settings.
- Represents pragmatic advice focused on avoiding conflict, though sometimes it can be seen as avoiding necessary resolution.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Entirely idiomatic. The meaning has nothing to do with actual dogs sleeping. Focus on the concept of 'avoiding stirring up past trouble'.
Examples
- I considered asking about their past argument, but decided it was best to let sleeping dogs lie.
- Should we bring up that controversial policy decision from last year? Nah, let sleeping dogs lie.
- He almost mentioned the old feud, but his wife subtly signaled him to let sleeping dogs lie.
Dialogue
Person A: I found out some more details about why Mark left the company five years ago. Should I ask him about it next time I see him?
Person B: Honestly, it was a messy situation back then, and everyone's moved on. I would just let sleeping dogs lie. Bringing it up might just open old wounds.
Person A: Hmm, okay. Maybe you're right. Best leave it in the past.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Was about to reignite an old Twitter argument from years ago... but decided to let sleeping dogs lie. Not worth the energy. #peace #nodrama
- Forum Comment: Someone asked about the controversial site redesign from 2018. Guys, can we just let sleeping dogs lie? It's done. Let's move on.
- Facebook Reply: Friend 1: Should I confront my cousin about that thing she said at Christmas? Friend 2: Honestly, if things are okay now, maybe just let sleeping dogs lie?
Response Patterns
- You're probably right. It's not worth stirring up trouble.
- Good idea. Let's leave it alone.
- But don't you think it needs to be resolved eventually? (Disagreeing)
- Okay, I won't mention it.
- Agreement, sometimes reluctance, or occasionally disagreement if resolution is seen as necessary.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After being advised to let sleeping dogs lie:
- Why? What happened last time it came up?
- Is the issue truly resolved, or just ignored?
- Okay, I understand. We'll avoid the topic.
- Action: Deciding *not* to bring up the sensitive topic.
- Action: Changing the subject of conversation.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- It's advice given in response to a suggestion or temptation to revisit a potentially troublesome past issue.
Intonation
- Stress often on SLEEPING, DOGS, and LIE. Let SLEEPING DOGS LIE.
- Typically said with a cautionary, wise, or pragmatic tone, advising inaction to preserve peace.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood across generations. A classic piece of proverbial wisdom.
Regional Variations
- Common across all major English-speaking regions.