If it's not broke, don't fix it

Meaning

Avoid altering something that works fine.

Usage

Used in operations or maintenance contexts.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Practical advice warning against unnecessary tinkering.

Mid-20th-century engineers popularized the phrasing.