when in doubt, leave it out

cliché If you're uncertain about incorporating, using, or consuming something, don't take any such action. A: "I just worry that the kids won't eat the mac and cheese if I make it with Gruyère." B: "When in doubt, leave it out. Making something the kids won't eat isn't worth the aggravation." A: "Should I take this phrase out of my speech? Do you think listeners will find it offensive?" B: "Why include anything that could be taken the wrong way? When in doubt, leave it out."

leave it out

stop it. British informal

ˌleave it ˈout

(British English, spoken) used to tell somebody to stop doing something: Leave it out, will you? I’m trying to study!