nip in the bud

English

WOTD – 18 May 2009

Pronunciation

  • (UK, US) IPA(key): /ˈnɪp.ɪn.ðəˈbʌd/
  • Audio (US)(file)

Verb

nip (something) in the bud

  1. To remove a bud from a plant to prevent flower and fruit from forming.
  2. (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. Issues are easier to sort out the earlier they are addressed.

Translations

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