1151 Let sleeping dogs lie

Explanation

To avoid interfering in a situation that is currently stable or calm, especially because interfering might cause trouble, reopen old arguments, or create problems where none currently exist.
Don't stir up trouble unnecessarily.

Origin

A proverb dating back to at least the 14th century (Chaucer used a similar phrase).
The literal image is clear: waking a sleeping dog, especially an unknown or potentially aggressive one, might cause it to bark or bite. It's safer to leave it undisturbed.
It advises against bringing up potentially contentious issues from the past or meddling in resolved matters.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

Don't go there. (Avoid that sensitive topic)
Drop it. (Stop talking about it)
Let it be.

Vulgar/Emphatic:

Don't start shit. (Direct and vulgar warning against causing trouble)

Milder/Standard:

It's best not to revisit that issue.
Let's avoid bringing that up.
Perhaps we should leave that matter undisturbed.

Situational Appropriateness

Appropriate in most informal and semi-formal contexts.
Can be used cautiously in professional settings as advice, although more direct phrasing like Let's not revisit that issue might be preferred in formal situations.

Misunderstanding Warnings

The literal meaning is about dogs, but the metaphorical meaning about avoiding trouble is very well-established and unlikely to be misunderstood in context.

Examples

Should we ask them about that old argument? No, better to let sleeping dogs lie.
I know you're curious about why they broke up, but it's probably best to let sleeping dogs lie.
The issue was resolved months ago; don't bring it up again – let sleeping dogs lie.

Dialogue

Alice: I found an old email where my boss criticized my work quite harshly years ago. Should I ask him about it?

Bob: Was it ever addressed back then?

Alice: Not really, things just moved on.

Bob: Honestly, I'd let sleeping dogs lie. Bringing it up now might just create awkwardness or reopen old wounds unnecessarily. Things are fine now, right?

Alice: Yeah, I suppose you're right. Better not to rock the boat.

Response Patterns

You're probably right. It's not worth the risk.
Good point. No need to stir up trouble.
But aren't you curious? (If disagreeing)
Okay, I'll leave it alone.
Wise words.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After deciding to let sleeping dogs lie:

The potentially troublesome topic is dropped or avoided.
The conversation moves on to safer subjects.
The person refrains from taking an action that might cause conflict.

Conversation Starter

No.
It's advice given in response to a suggestion or temptation to interfere in a situation.

Intonation

Often spoken evenly, perhaps with slight emphasis on let and lie. LET sleeping dogs LIE.
Usually carries a tone of caution, warning, or quiet advice.

Generation Differences

Widely understood across generations, though it might sound slightly more traditional or proverbial to younger ears.

Regional Variations

Common in all major English-speaking regions.

Last straw

🎲 Let your hair down

[1151] Let sleeping dogs lie