Select the most appropriate meaning of the following idiom.

Nip in the bud

To destroy early

The most appropriate meaning of the idiom "nip in the bud" is (1) To destroy early.

The idiom "nip in the bud" means to stop something from developing or growing. It is often used to describe preventing a problem or conflict from getting worse.

The idiom comes from the practice of gardeners cutting off the buds of plants to prevent them from flowering. By cutting off the buds, the gardener prevents the plant from wasting its energy on flowering and instead focuses on growing strong roots and leaves.

The other options do not fit the meaning of the idiom.

• To cut the buds means to remove the flower buds from a plant.
• To destroy late means to do something harmful or destructive after it has already started to happen.
• Not to destroy means to refrain from causing harm or damage.