nip something in the bud Definition

bud¹
noun

1. In a plant: an immature knob-like shoot, often enclosed by protective scales, that will eventually develop into a leaf or flower.
2. A flower or leaf that is not yet fully open. Also in compounds.

Example: rosebud
3. biol.
In yeasts and simple animals, eg hydra: a small outgrowth from the body of the parent that becomes detached and develops into a new individual capable of independent existence.
4. In an embryo: an outgrowth from which a limb develops.

verb budded, budding

intr
1. Said of a plant, etc: to put out or develop buds.
2. biol.
Said of a yeast or a simple animal, eg hydra: to reproduce asexually by the production of buds (noun 3).

Idiom: in bud

Said of a plant: producing buds.

Idiom: nip something in the bud

To put a stop to it, or destroy it, at a very early stage.

Etymology: 14c.