Leave/let well alone

phrase

To avoid interfering or changing anything because doing so might cause problems.

If your computer is working fine, you're better off to leave well alone and not mess around with the settings.
Visual representation of "leave/let well alone" - To avoid interfering or changing anything because doing so might cause problems

Often appears as...

  • leave it well alone
  • should leave well alone

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

To avoid interfering or changing anything because doing so might cause problems.

If your computer is working fine, you're better off to leave well alone and not mess around with the settings.
Visual representation of "leave/let well alone" - To avoid interfering or changing anything because doing so might cause problems

Often appears as...

  • leave it well alone
  • should leave well alone

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "leave/let well alone"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Context Matters

Use the phrase where change might lead to trouble or complications in a situation.

Illustration for Context Matters
Your garden is thriving; better leave well alone and not add new plants.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Risk Awareness

Apply the phrase when it's risky to alter something that's already satisfactory.

Illustration for Risk Awareness
The contract looks good as it is; we should leave well alone.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subtle Warning

It carries a mild warning against potential negative outcomes of unnecessary action.

Illustration for Subtle Warning
Her temper has cooled down; let's leave well alone now.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Context Matters

Use the phrase where change might lead to trouble or complications in a situation.

Illustration for Context Matters
Your garden is thriving; better leave well alone and not add new plants.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Risk Awareness

Apply the phrase when it's risky to alter something that's already satisfactory.

Illustration for Risk Awareness
The contract looks good as it is; we should leave well alone.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subtle Warning

It carries a mild warning against potential negative outcomes of unnecessary action.

Illustration for Subtle Warning
Her temper has cooled down; let's leave well alone now.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Context Matters

Use the phrase where change might lead to trouble or complications in a situation.

Illustration for Context Matters
Your garden is thriving; better leave well alone and not add new plants.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Risk Awareness

Apply the phrase when it's risky to alter something that's already satisfactory.

Illustration for Risk Awareness
The contract looks good as it is; we should leave well alone.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Subtle Warning

It carries a mild warning against potential negative outcomes of unnecessary action.

Illustration for Subtle Warning
Her temper has cooled down; let's leave well alone now.
Visual representation of the word "Leave/let well alone"

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