nip A in the bud

　JT（08/01/12付）より英語表現を拾います。

　The Tokyo-based game company is attempting to nip any problems in the bud by making this a MMORPG that you don't need to play to level-up. For example, in traditional MMORPGs, gamers must spend hours and hours in-game so they can get experience points (XP) in order for their character to reach a higher level of power. But in "DQX," other players can use your character when you are not gaming to help them take down enemies; thus, gamers will still get the XPs earned during those battles and your character can level-up while you carry on as your offline self. Players can also "charge" their characters while not playing in order to power-up.
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nc20120801ba.html

　nip [check，crush] 〜 in the budで「〜をつぼみのうちに摘み取る，未然に防ぐ」とあります（『リーダーズ英和辞典』研究社』）。この表現は，農業用語の「間引き」を連想させます。植物を栽培する時に，苗が密生した状態を避けるために，弱い苗や細い苗を引っこ抜きます。これをしないと，他の作物が作物として使い物にならなくなる可能性があるからです。
　大事に至らないうちに，問題点を摘み取るという意味がここでは込められているといえます。