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.

As the age-old saying goes, if it ain't broke don't fix it - which is something author Bella Mackie has certainly stuck by.

From BBC • Sep. 21, 2024

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

Perhaps the coach is also of the opinion that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

From The Guardian • Dec. 6, 2018

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