“Let well alone”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
The phrase Let well alone means to avoid interfering with something that is already satisfactory, as any change might worsen the situation. It advises leaving things as they are when they are acceptable.
Tone Advisory and cautionary; it serves as a proverb warning against unnecessary meddling.
Where it comes from
Let well alone is an old English proverb dating back to at least the 18th century. It’s an earlier form of the more commonly used “Leave well enough alone.”
Examples
- The engine is running smoothly now; let’s let well alone and not tinker with it further.
- She thought about updating the classic recipe but decided to let well alone.
- They wanted to redesign the logo, but the team agreed to let well alone.
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