Idiom language: English
Etymology: (This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)
The idiom has its roots in a literal interpretation – disturbing a dog while it is sleeping could result in an aggressive response from the animal. Over time, this evolved into a metaphorical meaning that warns against meddling in situations that are best left alone.
Join us on this journey as we unpack the intricacies of one of English’s most beloved idioms.
Origins and Historical Context of the Idiom “let sleeping dogs lie”
The phrase “let sleeping dogs lie” has been a part of English language for centuries. It is an idiom that implies one should not disturb a situation as it may lead to unexpected and unwanted consequences. The origins of this expression are not entirely clear, but there are several theories that attempt to explain its meaning.
One theory suggests that the phrase originated from the practice of hunting with dogs. When a pack of hounds was exhausted after a hunt, they would often sleep together in a pile. If someone disturbed them, they might become aggressive and attack the person who woke them up. Therefore, it w
Let sleeping dogs lie is a proverb that has been around for hundreds of years. A proverb is a short, common saying or phrase that gives advice or shares a universal truth. We will look at the meaning of the phrase let sleeping dogs lie, where it most probably came from and some examples of its use in sentences.
Let sleeping dogs lie means let well enough alone, don&#;t stir up trouble, don&#;t interfere in a situation and risk making trouble. The term has been around at least since the s, and probably well before that. In fact, one may consider the roots of this proverb to be in the Old Testament of the Bible, in the book of Proverbs, chapter twenty-six, verse seventeen: &#;He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.&#; Even with its ancient origins, the proverb let sleeping dogs lie is quite popular today.
Examples
While the government appears to let sleeping dogs lie, there’s worry that a re-elected NDP gang would do away with the hybrid model and only support publicly-owned continuing-care facilities with % unionized staff. (The Edmonton Sun)
But how do you not use the “let sleeping dogs
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Let Sleeping Dogs Lie! In this lesson, we are going to find out what the popular idiom means as well as looking at some examples of how it can be used in day to day speech. We will also be looking at where the saying came from in the first instance.
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie Meaning
The idiom “let sleeping dogs lie” mean to leave a problem or avoid interfering in a situation/ an old argument because trying to deal with it could cause an even more difficult situation. So, just like avoiding waking up a dog and making it angry, let sleeping dogs lie.
Origin of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
This ancient phrase originated in 13th century. Later in 14th century, it was used by Geoffrey Chaucer in one of his books which says it is good to avoid waking up a sleeping dog. ‘Let sleeping dogs lie’ derives from the long-standing observation that dogs are often unpredictable when they are suddenly disturbed.
Imagine, you come near a sleeping dog, you must be thinking the dog might not pounce on you or bite you, so it would be better to leave him sleeping. Similarly, it is better to be quite and not to stir anything that mi
Saying Origin
Meaning: &#;Let sleeping dogs lie&#; means to avoid interfering in a situation that could cause trouble.
Origin: Comes from the idea that waking a sleeping dog could lead to trouble.
Origin of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Animal Behavior:
The phrase &#;let sleeping dogs lie&#; originates from the understanding that disturbing a sleeping dog might provoke it to wake up and possibly become aggressive. This understanding extends to the metaphorical use of the phrase, advising against stirring up issues or revisiting past conflicts that could cause problems.
Historical Usage:
The phrase has been used for centuries as a piece of advice in various contexts, including politics, relationships, and legal matters.
Literary References:
It appears in medieval literature and was popularized in English by Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century.
Conclusion:
&#;Let sleeping dogs lie&#; is a timeless reminder to avoid unnecessary conflict, promoting the wisdom of leaving well enough alone to maintain peace and stability.
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