אִם לֹא יוֹעִיל לֹא יַזִּיק

ביטוי (אנגלית)

If it won't help, it won't harm, no harm in trying.

הגדרה (אנגלית)

There is nothing to lose and only something to gain. A rational consideration when choosing to do something that, on one hand, cannot cause harm, and on the other, may be beneficial.

("In any case, Israel does not do it except in the manner of 'if it won't help, it won't harm,' and he does not rely on it nor transgresses 'do not practice divination'" - Chatam Sofer, Chullin 77b; and also: "that even the great should take advice from the small...and when he takes advice—if it does not help, he will not lose, and if it does not seem right in his eyes—he will do as he sees fit, and we have learned: 'do not rely on your own understanding,' and 'salvation is in the multitude of counselors'" - Pele Yoetz, letter Chet, Chavruta)