To nip it in the bud Means: to stop or prevent something at | Let's Talk English

To nip it in the bud

Means: to stop or prevent something at the beginning or early phase before it becomes too difficult to manage.

Examples:

Many serious illnesses can be nipped in the bud if they are detected early enough.

There's been a complaint about the management team. I think we should speak to them now and nip it in the bud before it becomes a big problem.