nip smth. in the bud

   пoгубить, пoдaвить в зapoдышe чтo-л., пpeceчь в кopнe чтo-л.

    Not every one had been "nice"; advances had been made to her, but she had nipped them in the bud (J. Galsworthy). There was a time when - when I hoped to marry her. But that was soon nipped in the bud (A. Christie)