The meaning of the phrase “let sleeping dogs lie” is to avoid interfering in a situation that is currently causing no problems but might do so as a result of such interference. It is also used to advise not to talk about past issues or conflicts that have been forgotten or resolved. The phrase is based on the idea that disturbing a sleeping dog might make it angry and attack.
The phrase has been in use since the 1300s and has reference to waking up sleeping watchdogs, who could be fierce. Geoffrey Chaucer was one of the first to put this notion into print, in Troilus and Criseyde, circa 1380. The expression became a proverb in the 16th century and was included in John Heywood’s A Dialogue conteinyng the nomber in effect of all the Prouerbes in the Englishe tongue, 1546. The current wording of the phrase was first used in print in The London Magazine, in December 1822.
Some examples of using the phrase in sentences are:
- As Eliza was in good spirits that morning, Andy decided not to bring up the argument they had last night. It was best to let sleeping dogs lie.
- Since my manager did not ask me anything about me coming late that day, I did not speak to him about it – it is better to let sleeping dogs lie.
- We know that we would never reach an agreement over this matter, so it’s better to let sleeping dogs lie and not discuss it anymore.
