proverb · Words worth keeping
Let sleeping dogs lie.
Let sleeping dogs lie.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The instruction leaves sleeping dogs undisturbed. As an analogy, it advises against reopening a matter that is currently quiet.
What the words are saying
Sleeping supplies apparent inactivity, not proof that the matter is resolved. A qualified application can avoid a needless provocation while recognising a concern that still requires attention. The phrase should not excuse hiding wrongdoing or ignoring a continuing problem.
Everyday example
Someone avoids restarting a settled petty quarrel but raises a separate unresolved concern honestly.
When to use it
Use it to assess whether reopening a particular matter serves a useful purpose.
What it does not mean
Quietness does not prove resolution or justify concealment of harm.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 271; PDF page 42
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.