nip it in the bud
NIP it in the BUD
nɪp ɪt ɪn ðə bʌdListen
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Syllable breakdown
Dictionary meaning
stop a problem, bad habit, or dangerous development at its earliest stage before it can grow and become much more serious or difficult to deal with; intervene early and decisively to prevent a small issue from escalating; the horticultural image of pinching off a flower bud before it opens reflects the logic of preventive action, removing the problem at its most vulnerable and manageable point; in environmental management the phrase captures the principle of early intervention in invasive species control, pollution prevention, and climate risk management
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