if it ain't broke, don't fix it

if it ain't broke, don't fix it

If something is performing or functioning well enough, there's no need to change or interfere with it (as you may introduce new problems as a result.) A: "We don't really need to implement these ridiculous changes, do we? Our current method is working just fine." B: "Right. If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Why do you have your tools out? Come on, man, the washing machine's fine, and if it ain't broke, then please don't fix it!
See also: fix, if
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

if it ain't broke don't fix it

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.
See also: broke, fix, if
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

if it ain't broke, don't fix it

INFORMAL
COMMON You say if it ain't broke, don't fix it to mean that things should only be changed if there are problems with them. With regard to proposals for some grand reorganization of the intelligence community: If it ain't broke, don't fix it. And I believe it is not broke. Note: You can also say isn't broken instead of ain't broke and why fix it? instead of don't fix it. Her outlook is `If it isn't broken, why fix it?' She puts up with a lot I wouldn't tolerate. Note: The word `ain't' is a form of `isn't' which is used in informal or non-standard English. The first recorded use of this modern proverb is by the American Bert Lance, President Carter's Director of the Office of Management and Budget (1977). He was referring to governmental reorganization.
See also: fix, if
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

if it ain’t ˈbroke, don’t ˈfix it

used to say that if something is satisfactory and works well, it should not be changed: Why do they keep suggesting ‘improvements’ when everything’s working perfectly? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
See also: fix, if
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

if it ain't broke don't fix it

See leave well enough alone.
See also: broke, fix, if
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • if it ain't broke don't fix it
  • What can I do for you?
  • say no more
  • increase (something) from (something)
  • nay
  • he that will not when he may, when he will he may have nay
  • cry out for
  • cry out for (someone or something)
  • confer about (someone or something)
  • park that thought
References in periodicals archive
It's as if the people in charge of the game have never heard the saying: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".
Changes to laws of the game were a total waste of energy
He told the BBC: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If you start to break it then people aren't going to go.
uk news bulletin: Gallagher attacks hip-hop Glastonbury
Many small to medium businesses (SMB) operate under the data protection philosophy of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." But something will inevitably happen: a disaster wipes out the backup tapes, or a critical database is permanently corrupted, or months of backups are useless because there was never an actual backup--only an error that repeated every night but no one ever knew until it was too late.
Business continuity in SMB: disaster recovery in the small-to-medium business space
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. It's a motto that could have been written exclusively for Dido's second album, which starts where No Angel left off.
Singer's talent not waning
IF IT AIN'T broke, don't fix it!" How many times have we heard that?
It's time to break a few things: paralysis by analysis can choke a company. Let your staff shake things up
"Some superintendents take an 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' approach.
To run lean, you must be clean: good machine hygiene is a key to efficient machine operations
McTEER: As for structure, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. TIE: What are your impressions of Greenspan?
The Revolution Has Just Begun
As Perot himself might say, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." So what's behind Alberthal's thinking?
Not waiting for Perot
For most of the 20th century, business and industry has followed the maxim: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Now a new breed of communicators is helping organizations meet the challenges of the 21st century by following a new theme: "If it isn't perfect, don't stop improving."
Move over TQM! Benchmarking is the new tool for the '90s
The old saying, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," may not necessarily hold true for today's continuous quality improvement effort.
Does your facility have a quality-oriented culture?
The old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," must give way to a new concept, "If it ain't broke, keep it from breaking."
Preventive maintenance: see no evil
Many people believe if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Does he treat you well and make you happy?
Dear MIRIAM: WED-BLOCKED