Example: It's better to let sleeping dogs lie and avoid old arguments.
Definition
"To let sleeping dogs lie" means to avoid interfering in a situation that is currently causing no problems but could potentially lead to trouble if disturbed. It suggests leaving things as they are to prevent unnecessary conflict or complications.
Translations
dejar las cosas como están
geen slapende honden wakker maken
no despertar vells conflictes
ne pas réveiller de vieilles histoires
schlafende Hunde nicht wecken
Etymology
The phrase "to let sleeping dogs lie" originates from an old proverb warning against waking a dog that is peacefully resting, as it might become aggressive. This saying has been used since at least the 14th century and metaphorically advises against provoking trouble. Did you know that in medieval times, disturbing a sleeping dog was literally risky, which helped cement this phrase's meaning?
Learn to use this expression actively
"To let sleeping dogs lie" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C2) - set 1", containing 106 commonly used expressions.
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