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.

防微杜漸

“防微杜漸”出自《后漢書》，意思是把差錯、問題等消滅在萌芽狀態，引申為任何事物都有一個由隱及顯、由小及大的過程，其間還可能引發其他的連鎖反應，對于隱患、問題等，如果不做好提前防范，及時堵塞各種漏洞，就可能會付出成倍的代價，甚至會釀成全局性災難。這一理念要求人們深刻認識并精準把握事物演變的內在規律。

2018年7月，習近平在全國組織工作會議上指出，要教育引導年輕干部強化自我修煉，正心明道，防微杜漸，做到有原則、有底線、有規矩。這深刻闡明了年輕干部強化自我修煉的重大意義和目標要求，為廣大年輕干部在實踐中成長成才提供了重要遵循。