Where does the expression Nip it in the Bud come from?

Question

Where does the expression Nip it in the Bud come from?

In: 5

Answer 1

Plants have buds. This is where things like leaves grow out of. You’ve seen these buds in the spring.

If you “nip” (so cut) the bud off, the plant won’t grow those new parts. If you “nip it in the bud,” you’re stopping something before it can grow.