English Reference
Idiom idiom

let a sleeping dog lie


Alternative form of let sleeping dogs lie.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

It is best to let a sleeping dog lie.

CONTEXTUAL

I know you want to ask about the argument, but it is better to let a sleeping dog lie.

COMPLEX

Although the old scandal still bothered him, he decided to let a sleeping dog lie rather than risk further public scrutiny.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    buy a dog and bark oneself

    To do something that one has hired someone else to do.

  2. 02

    buy to let

    To purchase a property as in investment, and to let it out for rental instead of living in it

  3. 03

    call off the dogs

    To ease up on after inflicting great punishment.

  4. 04

    cat and dog life

    An unhappy married life marked by arguments and disagreements.

  5. 05

    devil lies in the details

    Synonym of devil is in the details.

  6. 06

    dog and cat

    A team comprising one male and one female, either working as associates or having one as the second-in-command to the other.

  7. 07

    dog and pony show

    Any presentation or display that is overly contrived or intricate, while lacking real substance.

  8. 08

    dog around

    To follow diligently.

Last updated August 10, 2026