nip something in the bud
US /nɪp ˈsʌm.θɪŋ ɪn ðə bʌd/
UK /nɪp ˈsʌm.θɪŋ ɪn ðə bʌd/
1.
扼杀在萌芽状态, 防患于未然
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.
我们必须将这个问题扼杀在萌芽状态，以免它失控。
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It's important to nip bad habits in the bud.
重要的是将坏习惯扼杀在萌芽状态。