The thing in question can be a wounded animal or a dysfunctional relationship. In mild sense, it can be an object or idea that requires a lot of investment for it, and when it turns out that it not working you want to cut it down to avoid further loss.

Is there an idiom, proverb, or common saying that describes this situation?

<br>

<sup>Related: [Is there an idiomatic way to say "go to the path of no way out"?](https://ell.stackexchange.com/q/168676/11458)</sup>