nip in the bud
The phrase "nip in the bud" originates from horticulture, where removing a bud early prevents a flower or fruit from forming, and is now used metaphorically to describe stopping problems early.
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Definition
B2General
(idiomatic)To stop something early before it has a chance to develop fully.
Example
- They decided to nip the rumor in the bud before it spread further.
- It's best to nip any bad habits in the bud.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "nip in the bud":
head off at the passstamp outnip atpinch outsnuff outstub outnut outstomp out