nip in the bud

Idioms  

1. 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.

---

Example Sentences

Walsh suggested to Sir Jeffrey that he had gone because it was "something you needed to nip in the bud".

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026

This is a rare emergent epidemic that we can still nip in the bud.

From Salon • Oct. 19, 2023

Still, to nip in the bud any thought that Merritt might be mistaken for Richardson, "If he cut his hair, I would greatly appreciate it," the lanky Richardson said.

From Reuters • Jun. 27, 2012

But how much potential walking do we nip in the bud with our lack of sidewalks, our dangerous crossings, our unconnected pedestrian networks?

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2012

They didn't know how I felt at being reduced to poverty, and they were ready to nip in the bud any move that I took to be even with them.

From Elam Storm, The Wolfer Or, The Lost Nugget by Castlemon, Harry