nip in the bud
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Halt something at an early stage, or thoroughly check something. For example, By arresting all the leaders, they nipped the rebellion in the bud. This metaphoric expression, alluding to a spring frost that kills flower buds, was first recorded in a Beaumont and Fletcher play of 1606–1607.
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Have you ever heard the idiom it’s a doggie-dog world? Well that’s not the correct phrase. It’s actually dog-eat-dog world. Can you correct these other common idioms?
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In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”
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The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.
Words nearby nip in the bud
nipa, Nipah virus, nip and tuck, nip curn, Nipigon, nip in the bud, Nipissing, Nipmuck, nipper, nippers, nipping
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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