How many of us have heard this being said in the heat of an argument?
Why is it said? To release stress of the argument, to prevent negative or even more damaging things from being said, to prevent hurt or further separation?
The answer is yes to all of these.
Proverbs 17:14 says, "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out."
Going down that path is like breaking open a dam. It is better to simply drop the argument than to deal with the overwhelming flood about to happen.
But what about the issues on the other side of that barrier so close to breaking?
Why not take it easy and start letting the “water” out easily.
In the heat of the moment, just drop it and, when the water has settled, start to talk about the stressors behind the emotion. Not only will you both enjoy the discussion much more, but there's a much greater chance of coming back into a place of unity and understanding.