Nipping problems in the bud
This idiom originates from Hou Han Shu (The Book of Eastern Han), which means nipping problems in the bud. Things often follow a course of growth from small to big or from invisible to apparent, and a sequence of events may occur during this process. If preventive measures are not taken to address hidden dangers and close all possible loopholes, serious losses and even disastrous consequences may occur. So people need to gain an in-depth and accurate understanding of the dynamics underlying change.
Speaking at the CPC's National Conference on Organizational Work in July 2018, Xi Jinping demanded that young officials strengthen self-cultivation, shape good character, foster positive values, prevent small issues from growing into big problems, abide by principles and rules, and stay within boundaries. This highlights the importance of self-cultivation to the career of young officials.
防微杜渐
“防微杜渐”出自《后汉书》，意思是把差错、问题等消灭在萌芽状态，引申为任何事物都有一个由隐及显、由小及大的过程，其间还可能引发其他的连锁反应，对于隐患、问题等，如果不做好提前防范，及时堵塞各种漏洞，就可能会付出成倍的代价，甚至会酿成全局性灾难。这一理念要求人们深刻认识并精准把握事物演变的内在规律。
2018年7月，习近平在全国组织工作会议上指出，要教育引导年轻干部强化自我修炼，正心明道，防微杜渐，做到有原则、有底线、有规矩。这深刻阐明了年轻干部强化自我修炼的重大意义和目标要求，为广大年轻干部在实践中成长成才提供了重要遵循。