Idiom
nip in the bud
Meanings
To stop something at an early stage before it becomes more serious.
Definition
To nip in the bud means to stop a problem or bad situation early before it grows.
To nip in the bud means to take quick action to prevent something negative from developing. It is used when a small issue could become a bigger problem if ignored. The idea is like stopping growth at an early stage so it never fully forms.
Examples
- We should nip in the bud any rumors before they spread.
- The manager nipped in the bud the conflict between the two teams.
- If you see a small safety issue, report it so we can nip in the bud it right away.
- Her parents tried to nip in the bud her bad habit of procrastinating.
- They hired a mediator to nip in the bud the dispute.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share a quick update or confirm plans.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (verb phrase)s
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share a quick update or confirm plans.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something important that you were responsibl…
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a friendly, informal chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of your actions or a difficult situation.