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idiom

nip something in the bud

NIP SUM-thing in thuh BUD

nɪp ˈsʌmθɪŋ ɪn ðə bʌd

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Syllable breakdown

nipsomethinginthebud

Dictionary meaning

To stop something at an early stage before it becomes a serious problem.

Examples

  • The doctor caught the infection early and nipped it in the bud.

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UN-der the WETH-er

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