if it ain't broke don't fix it

Idioms

Don't meddle with something that's functioning adequately. For example, So long as they like our proposal let's not change it; if it ain't broke don't fix it. This folksy and deliberately ungrammatical expression dates from the mid-1900s. For a synonym, see leave well enough alone.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There are those who say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2025

Anderson’s point is, simply, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 7, 2023

I figure, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2022

The creators of the latest “Jumanji” sequel have begun from an age-old premise - if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

From Washington Times • Dec. 11, 2019

On the online forum, angry shoppers called on Waitrose to bring the old website back, with CheshireCat saying: "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

From The Guardian • Mar. 23, 2011

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023