THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Let sleeping dogs lie
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Avoid interfering in a situation to prevent trouble.
Usage note: keep in mind
Let sleeping dogs lie means avoid reopening an old issue if doing so is likely to create unnecessary trouble. The expression usually concerns a matter that has settled. It is not advice to ignore an ongoing problem that needs attention.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- I decided to let sleeping dogs lie and not bring up the old argument.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
I decided to ________ and not bring up the old argument.
Show the answer
Let sleeping dogs lie — Avoid interfering in a situation to prevent trouble.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Let sleeping dogs lie” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
Avoid interfering in a situation to prevent trouble.
Compare: I decided to let sleeping dogs lie and not bring up the old argument.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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More examples in context
- The disagreement had been resolved, so we decided to let sleeping dogs lie.
- He wanted to reopen the old argument, but his sister preferred to let sleeping dogs lie.
Check your understanding
Which fits better: reviving a settled argument for no useful reason, or reporting a current problem that needs repair?
Check your answer
Reviving the settled argument is the situation the proverb cautions against. A current unresolved problem may still need action.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where let sleeping dogs lie fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.