Meaning of Idiom ‘If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It’
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it means that you should not try to improve something that already functions adequately; if something works, don’t meddle with it.
Usage Notes
Although the phrase ‘if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it’ would be more grammatically correct, do not use this version as the idiom is intentionally ungrammatical and sounds more folksy and correct in it original form (in general, do not try to improve the grammar of idioms).
This idiom holds the connotation that if you seek to improve something that already functions, you invite unforeseen problems and may just open a can of worms.
Sentence Examples
“The new manager didn’t change anything about the day-to-day operations saying that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
“My wife wants me to update everything in the house but I keep telling her if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
“I know the plumbing under my sink isn’t right but it’s been working for years. It is ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
“Should I start a new workout program?” asked Max. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” replied his trainer.
Origin
This phrase is often attributed to Bert Lance, who was the Director of the Office of Management and Budget for U.S. President Jimmy Carter. He used the idiom in the May 1977 issue of Nation’s Business. However, the idiom is found in print as early as 1968 as ‘if it ain’t broke, why fix it?’ and may have arisen sometime in the 1960s, if not earlier. The primary message is that you shouldn’t interfere in something that is already functioning well, as you may invite more problems.
