in the bud

But it compounds a sense that Arsenal are experiencing a "blip" and need to nip it in the bud before it becomes more than that.

Years later, when it appeared their feud might be heating up again, the two NBA greats took to social media to nip that notion in the bud.

She said that if managers employed people who did not know how to behave, they had a responsibility to take them to one side, and nip issues in the bud as soon as possible.

"I wanted to make sure it was nipped in the bud," she said.

It is understood consideration was given to the prospect of making an unlikely move for Eddie Howe, but Newcastle's qualification for the Champions League would, you imagine, nip that in the bud.