Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
Nipped in the bud
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. To stop something immediately so that it does not become a worse problem.
The idiom “nipped in the bud” literally refers to cutting off a flower bud before it blooms. Figuratively, it means:
Stopping a problem or negative situation at an early stage, before it grows or becomes more serious.
Let’s review the options:
To cut the bud – Literal meaning, not the idiomatic usage.
To remove unnecessary items – Unrelated to the idiom.
Very promising at a young age – Opposite in meaning; has nothing to do with stopping something.
To stop something immediately so that it does not become a worse problem – Accurate meaning of the idiom.