1. HorusEye

    HorusEye Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2009
    Messages:
    1,211
    Likes Received:
    48
    Location:
    Denmark

    Nib it in the bud.

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by HorusEye, Dec 6, 2010.

    Hey,

    I'm looking for a better/different expression for "nib it in the bud". One more common, perhaps.

    Character wants to go talk to another, unknown character, in order to prevent any hypothetical tension or problems from arising... Any suggestions?
     
  2. Elgaisma

    Elgaisma Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2010
    Messages:
    5,319
    Likes Received:
    97
    Halt it
    prevent
    cut it off at the knees
    destroy
    frustrate their intentions
    choke
     
  3. HorusEye

    HorusEye Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2009
    Messages:
    1,211
    Likes Received:
    48
    Location:
    Denmark
    Thanks.

    After typing my post, "oiling the waters" came to mind.

    Can't find many uses of that through google though. Is it even an expression? "[...] just to oil the waters a bit."
     
  4. Wreybies

    Wreybies Thrice Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 1, 2008
    Messages:
    23,826
    Likes Received:
    20,815
    Location:
    El Tembloroso Caribe
    Um......

    The phrase is nip it in the bud, not nib.
     
  5. darthjim

    darthjim New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2010
    Messages:
    90
    Likes Received:
    6
    Location:
    Cumbria, England
    I think you mean "to pour oil on troubled waters". But this is usually used to signify a peace-making gesture by someone to repair a damaged relationship of some sort or to calm a situation down.

    And yeah, it's "nip" (a gardening reference – to tackle something before it gets too big to handle, y'see).
     
  6. Donal

    Donal New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2010
    Messages:
    259
    Likes Received:
    5
    Location:
    Limerick, Ireland
    Isn't it Nip it in the Bud not Nib??
     
  7. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 19, 2007
    Messages:
    36,161
    Likes Received:
    2,827
    Location:
    Massachusetts, USA
    Yes, the expression is "Nip it in the bud." You could also say, "Slam on the brakes", or simply "Put a stop to it."

    You could also "Rein it in."
     
  8. art

    art Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2010
    Messages:
    1,153
    Likes Received:
    117
    It's a quite handy expression. Not sure it can be simplified much. It's pretty common in Britain at least. As darthjim says it conveys two ideas pretty readily.
    Stop it, while we can might work, but given the scenario you paint, I'm not sure you want an equivalent of nip it in the bud anyhow.
     
  9. HorusEye

    HorusEye Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2009
    Messages:
    1,211
    Likes Received:
    48
    Location:
    Denmark
    Spelling error noted ;)

    "Maybe I should have a word with him? You know, just to nip any possible trouble in the bud."

    Does that sounds natural?
     
  10. art

    art Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2010
    Messages:
    1,153
    Likes Received:
    117
    Yep.
     
  11. HorusEye

    HorusEye Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2009
    Messages:
    1,211
    Likes Received:
    48
    Location:
    Denmark
    "sound natural", I meant.

    SPAG Errors R Us...

    Thanks for the input, everyone.
     
  12. digitig

    digitig Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2010
    Messages:
    2,490
    Likes Received:
    81
    Location:
    Orpington, Bromley, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
    Sounds natural to me.
     
  13. xxkozxx

    xxkozxx Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2006
    Messages:
    404
    Likes Received:
    13
    Location:
    Oklahoma
    I always thought it was nip it in the butt!!
     
  14. Show

    Show Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2008
    Messages:
    1,493
    Likes Received:
    35
    Sounds natural enough to me. Granted it could depend on who is speaking, but I don't see any problem with it.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice