What is the origin of the idiom "nip something in the bud" and when to use it?

The idiom "nip something in the bud" has its origins in gardening. To "nip in the bud" means to take action to stop or prevent a problem or situation from developing further or getting worse while it's still in its early stages. This expression is often used to emphasize the importance of addressing issues early to prevent them from becoming more significant problems.