nip something in the bud(остановить какой-то процесс вскоре после того, как он начался; The rebellion was nipped in the bud. – Восстание было подавлено в зародыше. TarasZ)
kill the waiting time(Some of us went out to stroll in the park and talk about something else to kill the waiting time. • I also recommend you take water, something to eat and something to kill the waiting time.4uzhoj)