Let well enough alone Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɫɛt/ /ˈwɛɫ/ /iˈnəf/, /ɪˈnəf/ /əˈɫoʊn

LET WEL i-NUHF uh-LOHN

UK

lˈɛt/ /wˈɛl/ /ɪnˈʌf/ /ɐlˈəʊn

let WEL in-UHF uh-LOHN

Definition

To leave a situation as it is rather than try to change or improve something that is already acceptable or working well.

Usage & Nuances

Often used to advise against unnecessary changes; sometimes found as 'leave well enough alone.' It expresses a caution about making changes that could potentially make things worse.

• Spanish: dejar las cosas como están - no tocar lo que funciona
• Portuguese (BR): deixar como está - não mexer no que está bom
• Portuguese (PT): deixar como está - não mexer no que está bom
• Chinese (Simplified): 保持现状
• Chinese (Traditional): 保持現狀
• Hindi: जो ठीक है उसे वैसा ही रहने देना
• Arabic: ترك الأمور كما هي
• Bengali: যেটা ভালো আছে, সেটা 그대로 রাখা - চুপচাপ থাকা (পরিস্থিতি খারাপ না হলে)
• Russian: не трогать то, что уже хорошо работает - оставить как есть
• Japanese: 余計なことをせずにそのままにしておく
• Vietnamese: để nguyên như vậy - không nên thay đổi điều đang ổn
• Korean: 있는 그대로 두다 - 괜히 손대지 않다
• Turkish: olduğu gibi bırakmak - iyi olanı değiştirmemek
• Urdu: جیسا ہے ویسا ہی رہنے دینا - برا نہ ہو تو چھوڑ دو
• Indonesian: biarkan saja kalau sudah baik - jangan mengutak-atik yang sudah benar

Example Sentences

Sometimes it is better to let well enough alone.

basic

He should let well enough alone instead of fixing the device again.

basic

We decided to let well enough alone and not repaint the room.

basic

If everything’s working fine, just let well enough alone before you mess it up.

natural

Honestly, we should let well enough alone—no need to change what isn’t broken.

natural

People keep suggesting updates, but I’d rather just let well enough alone.

natural