answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Probably from a Latin proverb, 'Quieta non movere' meaning 'do not move settled things'. Also there is a quotation from the Book of Proverbs 'He that passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him, is like one that takes a dog by the ears'. In other words, do not instigate trouble

User Avatar

Wiki User

7y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

7y ago

The phrase let sleeping dogs lie is an English idiom that means that someone should just not interfere with things. One would use this phrase when one does not want to get involved with something.
'Let sleeping dogs lie', means for one to not disrupt a situation that is going well as it will lead to problems.

If that metaphorical dog is just laying there asleep, leave him be. Don't go messing with him or he might wake up and bite you. Of course if the dog is lying on a memory foam dog bed, he might not be bothered to wake up anyway.
The 'dog' here is whatever 'bone of contention'--or issue that will most likely only erupt into another conflict--that has been discussed once, and is now for the moment at least 'asleep.' It means to leave what will only become a problem alone so as to avoid the problem.
The phrase "let sleeping dogs lie" means to leave a situation alone or not to start trouble where there is not any already. The earliest use of the phrase is found in a French proverb which dates back to the 14th century.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is meant by the phrase let sleeping dogs lie?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

When was Let Sleeping Dogs... created?

Let Sleeping Dogs... was created in 2005.


What is the phrase 'Let sleeping dogs-'?

The phrase is "let sleeping dogs lie." It is the same as "if it isn't broken, don't fix it." These mean something to the effect of if something is serving its purpose, don't change it. If you wake up the sleeping dog, it might bite you. If you fix something that isn't broken, it might not work the same.


Did William Pitt say let sleeping dogs lie?

No, the phrase "let sleeping dogs lie" is not attributed to William Pitt. It is an English idiom that means it's best not to disturb a situation as it may cause trouble or complications.


What are some phrases that start with the letter L?

Like a chicken with its head cut off is a phrase. Let the cat out of the bag is a phrase that describes sharing a secret that was not to be shared. Last but not least is a common phrase. Let sleeping dogs lie is a phrase.


What should you let sleeping dogs do?

Let sleeping dogs lie means leave things as they are and do not stir up trouble.


Who said let sleeping dogs lie?

The roots for the phrase 'let sleeping dogs lie' comes from the Book of Proverbs in the Christian Bible, chapter 26, verse 17. In 1374, Geoffrey Chaucer used a similar phrase in the story he published by the title Troilus and Criseyde.


What is the meaning of let sleep dog lay?

This refers to the fact that if you startle a dog out of sleep than you are more likely to get bit. When is meant by the phrase is that everything is fine the way it is. Do not disturb things of its gonna come back and bite you.


What are the release dates for Men Women and Dogs - 2001 Let Sleeping Dogs Lie 1-5?

Men Women and Dogs - 2001 Let Sleeping Dogs Lie 1-5 was released on: USA: 11 November 2001


What does the idiom you will let sleeping dogs lie?

Leave things as they are.


What are the release dates for The Joker Blogs - 2008 Let Sleeping Dogs Lyle - 1.11?

The Joker Blogs - 2008 Let Sleeping Dogs Lyle - 1.11 was released on: USA: 31 October 2009


Should you tell the wife you had an affair with her husband?

No. Let sleeping dogs lie.


What does this proverb mean let sleeping dogs lie?

telling you to leave things as they are