letting sleeping dogs lie
Not stirring trouble
Letting sleeping dogs lie means leaving a situation undisturbed to avoid stirring up trouble.
The image is literal—a sleeping dog poses no threat, but waking it might provoke aggression.
The phrase counsels against revisiting old conflicts or raising sensitive topics: I know he wronged you, but it was years ago—best to let sleeping dogs lie.
- avoidanceDeliberate keeping away
- steer clearActively avoid something
- peaceFreedom from disturbance
- keep the peacePrevent discord or conflict
- quietLacking in sound
caution · don't rock the boat · past · water under the bridge · secrets · old wounds · grudge · harmony · silence · undisturbed · tension · wisdom · restraint · leave well enough alone · forgotten · buried · trouble · stirring
letting sleeping dogs liefacing the music
Accepting responsibility for actions
having it out · clearing the air · taking the bull by the horns · confronting · grasping the nettle
letting sleeping dogs liepoking the bear
Needlessly angering something powerful
rocking the boat · stirring the pot · making waves · fanning the flames · ruffling feathers
letting sleeping dogs lieleaving no stone unturned
Investigating every possible avenue
investigating · exposing · bringing to light · seeking justice · airing dirty laundry
letting, sleeps, sleeping, sleeper, sleepers, sleepless, sleepy, asleep, oversleep