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

1.
cortar pela raiz, impedir que algo piore
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.
Precisamos cortar este problema pela raiz antes que ele saia do controle.
•
It's important to nip bad habits in the bud.
É importante cortar os maus hábitos pela raiz.