Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

nip in the bud



Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Walsh suggested to Sir Jeffrey that he had gone because it was "something you needed to nip in the bud".

From BBC Jun. 12, 2026

This is a rare emergent epidemic that we can still nip in the bud.

From Salon Oct. 19, 2023

That sets up the kind of clown-car spectacle that a Chief Justice Roberts—who would prefer to participate in this senate trial from behind a bulletproof screen—would perhaps be moved to nip in the bud.

From Slate Jan. 15, 2020

Still, to nip in the bud any thought that Merritt might be mistaken for Richardson, "If he cut his hair, I would greatly appreciate it," the lanky Richardson said.

From Reuters Jun. 27, 2012

How many great schemes might anyone nip in the bud by one “pooh.”

From Happy-Thought Hall by Sir F. C. (Francis Cowley) Burnand




Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 14,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training