nip (something) in the bud
phrase
informal
: to stop (something) immediately so that it does not become a worse problem
Inflation will only get worse if the government doesn't do something right now to nip it in the bud.
Video
'Nip it in the butt' or 'Nip it in the bud'?
We're gonna stop you right there
Cite this Entry
“Nip (something) in the bud.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nip%20%28something%29%20in%20the%20bud. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
