nip in the bud

[beachboy]

What´s the difference between the expressions to root out something and to nip something in the bud? What words are most commonly used with the second one?

[RonBee]

When you nip something in the bud you take action to prevent something from becoming a bigger problem. Example:

Let's nip it in the bud. Let's take care of the problem before it gets out of hand.

[BobK]

When you nip something in the bud you take action to prevent something from becoming a bigger problem. Example:

Let's nip it in the bud. Let's take care of the problem before it gets out of hand.

Think of a bush that you don't want to get any bigger - you have to use a tool to cut it back if you leave it too long; but when buds form, you can nip them off with your fingers and prevent a new branch growing there.

b

[BobK]

'A tool' ? I was cutting back a hedge this morning, and used five or six.

b

[RonBee]

'A tool' ? I was cutting back a hedge this morning, and used five or six.

b

Those darn things grow fast. (At least, that's the way I remember it.)


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