Wiktionary
nip in the bud
vb. 1 To remove a bud from a plant to prevent flower and fruit from forming. 2 (context idiomatic English) To stop something at an early stage.
Usage examples of "nip in the bud".
Atlan, the Immortal, assumed power in Arkon after defeating the gigantic machine that used merciless robot fleets to nip in the bud all revolutions against the central power of Arkon, and he wanted peace as well.
The Eighth Air Force was determined to nip in the bud a recently surfaced British resentment toward their American cousins.
He wanted, in fact, to nip in the bud any idea of hers that she would enjoy with him the same close personal relationship she was supposed to have with Bill Donovan.