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

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

Meaning

• to not try to mend things that do not require it
• to not meddle into things
• to leave something that is working fine, alone

Example Sentences

1. Their marriage does not need a councillor. You should keep out and if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
2. I am not updating things in the house right now because if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
3. You can't keep updating the tax rates every other day. Learn from a senior politician and if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
4. Your interference in this matter is not appreciated because if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
5. You are trying too hard to get them to settle in their lives. I would only like to say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
6. I always tell my husband to not meddle in the children's lives anymore until they come to us for help. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Origin

The phrase is an American slang which talks in an advisory manner to not try to fix things that are not broken. Often meddling causes more problems than solving them. The phrase is said to have originated in the 18^th century but the literary origin comes from 1977 in a “Nations Business” newsletter quoted by Thomas Bertram.