ProverbPerseverance
German origin
German originNever change a running system
Meaning: Functional systems risk dysfunction when modified without pressing necessity.
Origin: A pseudo-English saying from German computing, where it is also heard as "never touch a running system"; it is rarely used in English-speaking countries. It adapts the sports maxim "never change a winning team" — English speakers would say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Explore another collection: False Friends
Words that look familiar in another language but mean something else entirely.
- Oldtimer Actually means 'vintage car' or 'classic aircraft'. A veteran person is ein Veteran.
- Camera Actually means 'room'. A camera (device) is una macchina fotografica.
- Pretendere Actually means 'to demand' or 'to expect'. Pretende troppo = He demands too much.
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