Let sleeping dogs lie的意思

"Let sleeping dogs lie" is an English idiom that means it is best to avoid disturbing or interfering with a situation that is currently calm or stable, especially if doing so might cause problems or conflicts. The phrase suggests that it is wise to leave things as they are, especially if they involve potentially difficult or dangerous matters.

The origin of the phrase is not entirely clear, but it is believed to date back to at least the early 19th century. It likely comes from the idea that if a dog is asleep, it is less likely to bark or cause trouble, and therefore it is best not to disturb it. Disturbing a sleeping dog might cause it to wake up and start barking, which could lead to a chain reaction of events that are difficult to predict or control.

In a broader sense, the phrase can also be used to mean that it is best not to bring up old or unpleasant topics that might cause conflict or tension. For example, if someone has done something in the past that caused problems, it might be best to let it go and not bring it up again, rather than risk causing more trouble.

Here's an example of how the phrase might be used in a conversation:

Person A: "I heard that John was involved in a scandal a few years ago. I think we should bring it up at the meeting to see if he's still trustworthy."

Person B: "I wouldn't do that. Let sleeping dogs lie. It was in the past, and bringing it up now could just cause more problems."

In this example, Person B is advising against bringing up John's past scandal because it could lead to unnecessary conflict or tension. Instead, Person B suggests leaving the matter alone and focusing on the present.