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The meaning and origin of the expression: Nip in the bud

Nip in the bud

What's the meaning of the phrase 'Nip in the bud'?

To nip something in the bud is to put a stop to it while it is still in its early development.

What's the origin of the phrase 'Nip in the bud'?

Nip in the bud'Nip in the bud' derives from the de-budding of plants. The earlier form of the phrase was 'nip in the bloom' and this is cited in Henry Chettle's romance Piers Plainnes Seaven Yeres Prentiship, 1595:

"Extinguish these fond loues with minds labour, and nip thy affections in the bloome, that they may neuer bee of power to budde."

A version of the current 'bud' version of the phrase first appears in 1607, in Beaumont and Fletcher's comedy of manners Woman Hater (a title that they would probably have difficulty convincing a publishing house to use today):

"Yet I can frowne and nip a passion Euen in the bud."

Gary Martin - the author of the phrases.org.uk website.

By Gary Martin

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

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