if it ain't broke don't fix it?

[keannu]

In the following, does broke mean penniless(out of money) or out of order?

ex) if it ain't broke don't fix it

 

[5jj]

if it ain't broke don't fix it

Out of order.

In standard English it should be broken (and ain't should be isn't), but the expression is used mostly in the form that you quoted it.

 

[SoothingDave]

The idea being that people often try to improve upon a system or item that is functioning adequately, only to end up with a system that is no longer working at all. By trying to "fix" something that was not "broken."

 

[susiedqq]

This is a common idiom.
It suggests that you not even try to change things. Keep the status quo.

The team is winning games. I thought about changing the team's lineup, but Joe warned me, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

 

[birdeen's call]

I guess saying "If it isn't broken, don't fix it" would be fixing what ain't broke.