let sleeping dogs lie
/let ˌsliːpɪŋ dɒɡz ˈlaɪ/NEUTRAL · C1
Meaning
to avoid reopening an old problem
Examples
- 1We settled that argument years ago; I'd rather let sleeping dogs lie.
- 2Instead of mentioning the broken vase again, Mum decided to let sleeping dogs lie.
- 3Why restart an argument everyone has forgotten? I'd let sleeping dogs lie.
- 4Our neighbours had finally stopped complaining, so we let sleeping dogs lie and left the old dispute alone.
- 5Please let sleeping dogs lie; asking about the settled complaint would only start the quarrel again.
Grammar
Only let changes: let, lets, letting; its past form is let. Keep sleeping dogs plural and lie in the base form.
Similar in meaning
More idioms about animals
All 20 idioms and the topic quiz →a guinea pigsomeone used to test a new product or methodmonkey businessdishonest or unacceptable behaviourcrocodile tearspretended sadness or regret that is not sincerean eager beaversomeone very keen to work harda red herringsomething that distracts attention from the real issuethe black sheepsomeone whose behaviour embarrasses their family or group
English Idioms400 idioms in 20 topics — with reviews that keep them from fading
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