nip something in the bud
US /nɪp ˈsʌm.θɪŋ ɪn ðə bʌd/
UK /nɪp ˈsʌm.θɪŋ ɪn ðə bʌd/
1.
扼殺在萌芽狀態, 防患於未然
to stop something immediately so that it does not become a worse problem
:
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We need to nip this problem in the bud before it gets out of control.
我們必須將這個問題扼殺在萌芽狀態，以免它失控。
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It's important to nip bad habits in the bud.
重要的是將壞習慣扼殺在萌芽狀態。