What's "nip in the bud" mean?

Rebecca

If one "nips something in the bud," it means that they stop it immediately, so it doesn't become worse or develop further. Usually, when it's in its early stages of development, like a flower bud that gets cut off and can't grow into a flower. Ex: If you nip the cold in the bud now with some medicine, you'll be better soon. Ex: As a company, we're going to nip the issue in the bud before the news gets around.