nip something in the bud

Meaning: To stop something before it becomes big or involved; to stop something before it gets much of a start.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Category: Daily Life

Origin: The expression compares stopping a bad situation to cutting (nipping) a flower before it has a chance to grow (while it is still a bud).

More idioms — Daily Life

nix something — To cancel an idea or plan; to reject or forbid something.
none of one's business — Private; not for anybody else to know.
nothing to write home about — Ordinary; so-so; not especially good or important.
not worth a dime — Worthless.
not worth a plugged nickel — Worthless.
not worth a red cent — Worthless.

not worth the paper it's printed on — Worthless.
odd man out — The person who is left out; the person who doesn't fit in.
odds and ends — Small items that are left over, don't match, or are missing a mate.
off one's rocker — Out of one's mind; slightly crazy.
off the beaten path — Off the road or way that is most often chosen by other people.
off the cuff — Without much advance preparation; spontaneously.

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