Question

Choose the correct meaning of the given proverb:
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
A. Do not fix things that are broken.
B. Do not try to fix something that works well, you’ll end up ruining it.
C. If it ain’t broke, then try harder.
D. Don’t waste time fixing things that don’t need to be fixed.

Answer 1

Hint: A proverb is a sentence, saying that is said for the purpose of preaching something. They are usually short and meaningful to invoke a sense of truth; it is also a form of advice.

Complete step by step answer:
The given proverb means that if there is something that is not broken, there is no need to fix it. Let’s look at the given options to see which one has the closest meaning –
Option A – This option is not right for the given question or in general, because broken items do need fixing; hence this is not the right option.
Option B – This option is not entirely true because it factually states that you will end up ruining something if you try to repair it and that is not true. Hence this is not the right option.
Option C – This option does not hold any real meaning; if you look closely, it just says try harder – but what is the reason to try harder? It is not clear in the given option; hence this is not the right option.
Option D – This is the most appropriate answer as it means that there is no need to fix something that does not need fixing. This is the right option.

Thus, the correct option is (D)

Note:
The wordplay in proverbs may be confusing, but upon close observation and understanding, it is easier to extract the exact meaning of them. Proverbs usually contain pearls of wisdom put in a very different manner.