Significado
To avoid bringing up an old problem that might cause trouble if discussed.
Contexto cultural
Sir Robert Walpole, the first UK Prime Minister, used 'Quieta non movere' (Latin for 'Do not move settled things') as his motto, which is the political equivalent of 'let sleeping dogs lie.' In US business, this phrase is often used to shut down 'post-mortems' or deep dives into failed projects if the company has already moved on to something else. In the South, this idiom is often delivered with a 'folksy' charm, sometimes used to politely tell someone to mind their own business regarding family secrets. Lawyers use this when a technical error is found in an old contract that doesn't affect the current agreement, to avoid 'opening a can of worms.'
The 'Lie' Rule
Remember: Dogs 'lie' down. They don't 'lay' down. If you say 'lay,' grammar experts will notice!
Don't use for emergencies
If something is dangerous right now, don't use this phrase. It's only for old, quiet problems.
Significado
To avoid bringing up an old problem that might cause trouble if discussed.
The 'Lie' Rule
Remember: Dogs 'lie' down. They don't 'lay' down. If you say 'lay,' grammar experts will notice!
Don't use for emergencies
If something is dangerous right now, don't use this phrase. It's only for old, quiet problems.
Shorten it
In casual speech, you can just say 'I'd let it lie' to sound more like a native speaker.
Face-saving
This is a great phrase to use when you want to be polite and avoid embarrassing someone about a past mistake.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the idiom with the correct words.
I know you're still angry about the party, but it's best to let sleeping ____ ____.
The standard idiom is 'let sleeping dogs lie.'
Which situation best fits the idiom 'let sleeping dogs lie'?
Choose the correct scenario:
The idiom is for minor, past issues that aren't worth the trouble of bringing up.
Choose the best response to the speaker.
Speaker A: 'I'm thinking about calling my ex-boss to tell him why I really quit three years ago.' Speaker B: '_________________'
Speaker B is advising Speaker A not to restart an old conflict.
Match the idiom to its meaning in this context.
In a business meeting, a manager says: 'Let's let sleeping dogs lie regarding the 2019 tax audit.' What does she mean?
The manager wants to avoid a potentially difficult or problematic topic from the past.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosI know you're still angry about the party, but it's best to let sleeping ____ ____.
The standard idiom is 'let sleeping dogs lie.'
Choose the correct scenario:
The idiom is for minor, past issues that aren't worth the trouble of bringing up.
Speaker A: 'I'm thinking about calling my ex-boss to tell him why I really quit three years ago.' Speaker B: '_________________'
Speaker B is advising Speaker A not to restart an old conflict.
In a business meeting, a manager says: 'Let's let sleeping dogs lie regarding the 2019 tax audit.' What does she mean?
The manager wants to avoid a potentially difficult or problematic topic from the past.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, the idiom is fixed with 'dogs.' However, in French, they do use 'cats' (chat). In English, stick to dogs!
It is always 'lie.' 'Lay' requires an object (e.g., 'Lay the book down'). Since the dogs are the ones performing the action, they 'lie.'
Not usually. It's often seen as wise advice. However, if you say it to someone who is currently upset, it might sound dismissive.
The concept is from the 1300s (Chaucer), but the modern version became popular in the 1700s.
Yes, but it's better in a 'consultative' way, like giving advice to a colleague. In a very formal legal document, use 'leave well enough alone.'
Very similar! 'Don't rock the boat' is about not disturbing a current situation. 'Let sleeping dogs lie' is specifically about not bringing up the past.
Then it's literal! And it's still good advice—startled dogs can bite.
Occasionally people say 'let a sleeping dog lie,' but 95% of the time it is plural: 'dogs.'
The standard idiom is 'let.' Some people say 'leave sleeping dogs lie,' but 'let' is much more common.
Yes, it is very common in movies, books, and daily conversation.
Frases relacionadas
Don't rock the boat
similarDon't change a situation that is currently stable.
Open a can of worms
contrastTo start a process that causes many new problems.
Leave well enough alone
synonymTo stop changing something because it is already good enough.
Don't poke the bear
similarDon't provoke someone who is dangerous.
Water under the bridge
builds onPast events that cannot be changed and are no longer important.
