1. nip in the bud - Verb
2. nip in the bud - Phrase
To remove a bud [from a plant] to prevent flower and fruit from forming.
(idiomatic) To stop (something) at an early stage.
If you see a bad habit begin to develop, try to nip it in the bud so that it does not become ingrained.
“Going forward, House of Assembly members, Commissioners, Council Chairmen and Councillors should communicate more with their people so that we can nip in the bud some of these, early enough,” he said. Source: Internet
Among the areas earmarked for reform are the constitution and the security sector, with a view to nip in the bud the root causes of Lesotho’s instability. Source: Internet
This trend of pushing aggressive legal agreements on volunteers is a threat to volunteerism and community itself that we need to "nip in the bud." Source: Internet
“We think that this is a perfect opportunity for the University to leverage themselves on a progressive course in society and … nip in the bud any circumstances where police can murder people,” said Marty Branyon, a student and member of SDS. Source: Internet
“Your singular show of professionalism was able to nip in the bud the rascality and criminal activities that tried to rear up their ugly heads as a result of the Supreme Court decision that restored our stolen mandate on the 13th of February 2020. Source: Internet