THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Leave well alone
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Avoid changing or interfering with something because doing so might make it worse.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- The shelf is level now, so let’s leave well alone.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
The shelf is level now, so let’s ________.
Show the answer
Leave well alone — Avoid changing or interfering with something because doing so might make it worse.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Leave well alone” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
Avoid changing or interfering with something because doing so might make it worse.
Compare: The shelf is level now, so let’s leave well alone.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this conversational expression when a further adjustment could cause problems. It is useful for practical decisions, though it is not a reason to ignore a genuine unresolved fault.
More examples in context
- I was tempted to add more colour, but decided to leave well alone.
- Once the audio sounded clear, we left well alone.
Usage note
“Leave well enough alone” is another established form. The phrase is about avoiding unnecessary interference, rather than abandoning a person who needs help.
A short conversation
A: Should I change the settings again?
B: It is working properly now. I’d leave well alone.
A: All right, I’ll save the current setup.
One more practice question
When does “leave well alone” fit best?
A. When further tinkering with a satisfactory result may cause trouble.
B. When an obvious serious fault still needs repair.
Check your answer
A. The phrase recommends avoiding changes that could spoil an acceptable situation.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.