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

See Examples For:

nip in the bud

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

Today, the Since 9/11 charity runs counter-extremism programs in British schools, aiming to nip in the bud the impulses that led to 9/11 and to the attacks that have since taken place in Britain.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 10, 2018

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

He would discourage all advances from the start, he would promptly nip in the bud the first sign of intrusion.

From The Honorable Percival by Alice Caldwell Hegan Rice

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---