# let a sleeping dog lie

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/let-a-sleeping-dog-lie
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Alternative form of let sleeping dogs lie.

## Examples

- It is best to let a sleeping dog lie.
- I know you want to ask about the argument, but it is better to let a sleeping dog lie.
- Although the old scandal still bothered him, he decided to let a sleeping dog lie rather than risk further public scrutiny.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.