nip something in the bud
US /nɪp ˈsʌm.θɪŋ ɪn ðə bʌd/
UK /nɪp ˈsʌm.θɪŋ ɪn ðə bʌd/

1.
atajar de raíz, cortar de cuajo
to stop something immediately so that it does not become a worse problem
:
•
We need to nip this problem in the bud before it gets out of control.
Necesitamos atajar este problema de raíz antes de que se salga de control.
•
It's important to nip bad habits in the bud.
Es importante atajar los malos hábitos de raíz.