LookItUp

nip in the bud

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌnɪp ɪn ðə ˈbʌd/

nip in the bud means: To stop a problem or activity before it has time to develop.

verb

STOP EARLYC1

To stop a problem or activity before it has time to develop.

  • We nipped the problem in the bud.
  • The teacher nipped the bullying in the bud.
  • Can we nip these rumors in the bud?

How to use it: nip something in the bud (We must nip this problem in the bud.)

Similar words: stop early, prevent

Common phrases: nip in the bud, nip trouble in the bud

REMOVE PLANT BUDSC2

To remove a plant’s developing flowers before they can grow or produce fruit.

  • She nipped the flowers in the bud.
  • The gardener nipped unwanted growth in the bud.
  • Nip those shoots in the bud before flowers develop.

How to use it: nip something in the bud (The gardener nipped the flowers in the bud.)

Similar words: debud

Common phrases: nip in the bud, nip roses in the bud

Questions about nip in the bud

What does nip in the bud mean?

To stop a problem or activity before it has time to develop.

What is nip in the bud in other languages?

Türkçe: başlamadan önlemek · Español: cortar de raíz · Français: tuer dans l’œuf · Deutsch: im Keim ersticken · Italiano: stroncare sul nascere · 日本語: 芽を摘む

How do you pronounce nip in the bud?

It is pronounced /ˌnɪp ɪn ðə ˈbʌd/.

How do you use nip in the bud in a sentence?

We nipped the problem in the bud. The teacher nipped the bullying in the bud.

Learn nip in the bud while you read

LookItUp shows the meaning that fits your sentence, in your language, and turns new words into quick practice cards.

Coming soon on the App Store LookItUp app for iPhone and iPad

nip in the bud in other languages

More words