let sleeping dogs lie

Meaning of the phrase:

Origin of the phrase:

If you disturb a sleeping dog it may bite you. So, unless you enjoy being bitten by dog, it may be a good idea to just let sleeping dogs lie where they are. This proverb has been in use since the 13^th century but does not make into English until Geoffrey Chaucer’s Troilus and Criseyde, published in 1374:

“It is nought good a slepyng hound to wake.”

People in France were also frightened of waking sleeping dogs as the proverb appeared even earlier in Proverbia Vulgalia et Latina, published in Middle French earlier in the century:

“Ne reveillez pas le chien qui dort.” [Translation: Do not wake the dog that sleeps]

This phrase was made even more popular by Sir Robert Walpole, the first Prime Minister of England (in office 1727 – 1740), as his governing policy was, as said by him, to let sleeping dogs lie. Deferring to the wisdom of this motto, he did everything that he could to keep England in peace both abroad and at home.

Australian paper, The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, printed the proverb in its current form on February 1, 1826:

“This demonstration had the desired effect; the enthralled visitor resumed his seat, and, for the first time in his life was practically convinced of the truth of the Proverb – ‘That it is good to let sleeping dogs lie.’”