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?
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."
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).
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."
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.
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?
Sounds natural enough to me. Granted it could depend on who is speaking, but I don't see any problem with it.
