nip in the bud
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Definition of nip in the bud
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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Can You Correct These Idioms?
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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GOOSES. GEESES. I WANT THIS QUIZ ON PLURAL NOUNS!
Test how much you really know about regular and irregular plural nouns with this quiz.
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following nouns has an irregular plural form?
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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