Absolute position and Overflow:hidden

Answer 1

Use css...

* {margin: 0; padding: 0;}

#parent {width: auto; overflow: hidden;}

#child {position: absolute; width: auto;}

With width auto it will always append to the smallest possible size; and with the reset it will help maintain natural flow.

But if the child is bigger in any way than the parent, then it will not be possible. But with this CSS I think you will achieve what you want to the maximum of what is possible.