C1idiomnatureIELTS-friendly
nip something in the bud
USUK
to stop a problem early, before it can grow into something worse
Usually 'nip it in the bud'. Used about bad habits, rumours and small problems. The image is a flower bud cut before it opens.
In context
If your child starts telling lies, it's best to nip it in the bud.
We nipped the rumour in the bud before it spread online.
More idioms about nature
- a breath of fresh airsomeone or something new and different that makes a situation more pleasant
- a storm in a teacupa lot of anger or worry about something that is not important
- can't see the wood for the treesto be so focused on small details that you miss the bigger picture
- come rain or shinewhatever the weather or situation; always, without exception
- let sleeping dogs lieto avoid raising an old problem because discussing it would only cause new trouble