Idioms title

The Idiom Attic - a collection of hundreds of English idioms, each one explained.

The meaning of "let sleeping dogs lie"

" Let sleeping dogs lie "
Meaning:
Avoid restarting a conflict.
Example:
I knew he was stealing from me but, he is proud and he really needs the money. I preferred to let sleeping dogs lie and to say nothing.
Where did it originate?:
Britain. 19th century but much earlier as a similarly-worded proverb.
Where is it used?:
Worldwide, but like many proverbs, now considered rather old-fashioned.
Hear the idiom spoken:
More idioms about:   animals   proverbial  

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