let sleeping dogs lie: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘let sleeping dogs lie’ mean?
The idiom "let sleeping dogs lie" means to avoid interfering in a situation, especially if it may cause trouble or controversy. It suggests leaving things as they are, without disturbing or reigniting potential conflicts or problems.
Idiom Explorer
"Let's not and say we did" is an idiom used to suggest avoiding an activity or responsibility while still claiming to have done it. It implies a desire to evade or deceive without facing the consequences of the truth.
The idiom *let slip* means to accidentally reveal something that was supposed to be kept secret or to accidentally lose control of a situation. It can also mean to miss an opportunity or to fail to take advantage of something. The idiom is often used when someone unintentionally says or does something that they shouldn't have, leading to unforeseen consequences.
The idiom "let slide" means to intentionally ignore or disregard something, usually a mistake or an offense, without taking any action or expressing disapproval.
The idiom "let one's hair down" means to relax or be less formal or restrained, often in a social setting.
The idiom "let nature take its course" means to allow events to unfold naturally without interference or intervention, accepting the outcome as it occurs.
The idiom "let loose" means to allow someone or something to be free or unleashed. It can also mean to relax, have fun, or engage in uninhibited behavior. This expression is often used to describe a release of emotion or energy.
The idiom "let it be" means to leave something alone or to not interfere with a situation. It suggests accepting or allowing things to happen without trying to control or change them.
The idiom "let it all hang out" means to be completely uninhibited or to openly express one's emotions, thoughts, or desires without holding back. It implies being authentic and unrestricted in one's behavior or communication.
The idiom "let go and let God" means to surrender control and trust in a higher power or fate to handle a situation. It suggests releasing worries and anxieties, accepting things that cannot be changed, and having faith in a divine plan or intervention.
The idiom "let bygones be bygones" means to forgive past wrongs and move on without holding grudges or bringing up old grievances.
Unleashing Dormant Troubles
The idiom *let it be* is a related expression to *let sleeping dogs lie*. It carries a similar meaning, advising against unnecessary interference or disturbance of a situation. Just as one would avoid waking a sleeping dog, it is wise to let certain matters be and avoid causing unnecessary complications or conflicts.
The phrase *leave it be* is another variation of *let sleeping dogs lie*. It urges individuals to refrain from taking action or getting involved in a situation that is currently at rest or calm. By leaving it be, one can maintain peace and avoid unnecessary confrontation or conflict.
In a similar vein, the idiom *let slide* conveys the same idea as *let sleeping dogs lie*. It advises against making an issue out of something that is, in reality, not worth the effort or trouble. Just as it is best to let a sleeping dog sleep, it is often more sensible to let minor issues slide and focus on more important matters.
The idiom *lay to rest* is related to *let sleeping dogs lie* as it suggests putting an issue or dispute to rest and moving on. By doing so, one can avoid further conflict or harm. Similar to letting a sleeping dog lie undisturbed, laying an issue to rest allows for resolution and peace.
Lastly, the idiom *go to sleep* is another related expression to *let sleeping dogs lie*. It emphasizes the importance of inaction and allowing a situation to remain calm and inactive. Just as a sleeping dog is best left alone, it is often beneficial to let certain matters go to sleep and avoid unnecessary disturbances or complications.
The idiom *let sleeping dogs lie* advises against disturbing a situation or letting it rest. With its origins in hunting practices and its metaphorical connotation, this expression has endured throughout the centuries. Its meaning and usage have remained consistent, transcending language and cultural barriers. Just as we would let a sleeping dog sleep, it is often wise and prudent to avoid unnecessary confrontation or disturbance in certain situations. The related idioms *let it be*, *leave it be*, *let slide*, *lay to rest*, and *go to sleep* all convey similar ideas, emphasizing the importance of inaction and allowing matters to remain calm and undisturbed.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *let sleeping dogs lie* can be used in a sentence:
- When my boss made a mistake during the meeting, I decided to let sleeping dogs lie and not confront him about it.
- My sister and I had a small disagreement, but I realized it wasn't worth arguing over, so I chose to let sleeping dogs lie.
- After our neighbor's dog wandered into our yard, we decided to let sleeping dogs lie and just gently guide it back home instead of causing a confrontation.
More "Adage" idioms
We missed the mark - nothing found.
