Idiom – Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

English Idiom – Let sleeping dogs lie

Meaning –  This idiomatic expression means you should leave something alone if it might cause trouble. This idiom advises you to leave inactive problems alone. To have nothing to do with a situation.

This idiom is commonly given as advice to someone who may be about to instigate some kind of trouble or cause a problem.

The words in this idiom – let sleeping dogs lie – let the listener imagine there is a ferocious or scary dog sleeping. They are being advised not to wake this dangerous dog!

Related Expressions:

• A little bird told me – Idiom
• Elephant in the room – Idiom
• Let the cat out of the bag – Idiom
• Put a sock in it – Idiom
• Spill the beans – Idiom

Usage:

When could you use this idiom?

• Somebody is asking you about some controversial gossip – and you don’t want to be involved.
• A friend wants to ask a colleague about a particularly messy breakup.
• You are trying to avoid talking about the elephant in the room!

Example:

• “Don’t ask him about his divorce. It’s best to let sleeping dogs lie!”

In The News:

Letting Sleeping Dogs Lie, Or How I Found My Family in China

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