What does “Let well (enough) alone.” mean?
"Let well (enough) alone" means that one should avoid trying to improve something that is already satisfactory, as attempting to do so may actually make it worse.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The project is running smoothly, so let's let well (enough) alone. There's no need to make unnecessary changes.
Example
The recipe is perfect as it is. Let well (enough) alone. Don't try to add any extra ingredients.
Example
The car is functioning fine. Let well (enough) alone. Don't tinker with it and risk causing more problems
Is “Let well (enough) alone.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Let well (enough) alone.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Let well (enough) alone.” effectively in context?
You can use "Let well (enough) alone" to advise against making unnecessary changes or improvements to something that is already satisfactory. It emphasizes the idea that trying to improve something that is already good may result in making it worse. For example, if a friend suggests making changes to a successful business strategy, you might say, 'The strategy is working well, so let's let well enough alone and stick with what's working.'
- 1Work
The project is running smoothly, so let's let well (enough) alone. There's no need to make unnecessary changes.
- 2Cooking
The recipe is perfect as it is. Let well (enough) alone. Don't try to add any extra ingredients.
- 3Car Maintenance
The car is functioning fine. Let well (enough) alone. Don't tinker with it and risk causing more problems.
Similar phrases to “Let well (enough) alone.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Let well (enough) alone.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Let well (enough) alone" is unknown.
Is “Let well (enough) alone.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Let well (enough) alone" is not as commonly used in everyday conversation compared to other proverbs. However, it can still be understood and used effectively in appropriate situations.
What tone does “Let well (enough) alone.” have?
"Let well (enough) alone" conveys a tone of caution and wisdom. It suggests that sometimes it's best to leave things as they are and avoid unnecessary changes or interventions.
Can “Let well (enough) alone.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Let well (enough) alone" is considered formal and is more commonly used in written or formal contexts such as essays, articles, or speeches. In everyday conversations, a more informal alternative like 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it' may be used instead.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase "Let well (enough) alone" is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The project is going smoothly, so let's let well enough alone.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "let well enough alone"!' to imply the need to avoid unnecessary changes.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- if it ain't broke, don't fix it
- leave well enough alone
- don't rock the boat
- don't mess with success
- don't tamper with perfection
Antonyms
- innovate
- seek improvement
- strive for better
- embrace change
- make it better
