Cut your teeth on something
verb phrase
To have initial experience or do something for the first time, especially gaining first experience in a career or activity.
He cut his teeth on local newspapers before working for national media.
Often appears as...
- cut your teeth on journalism
- cut your teeth on small projects
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To have initial experience or do something for the first time, especially gaining first experience in a career or activity.
He cut his teeth on local newspapers before working for national media.
Often appears as...
- cut your teeth on journalism
- cut your teeth on small projects
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Career Start
Used when talking about the first steps taken in a professional career or field.
She cut her teeth at a small tech startup before joining a major corporation.
Pro Tip 2/3Skill Development
Speaks about the early stages of developing and honing skills in a particular activity or hobby.
I cut my teeth on acoustic guitar before I ever played electric.
Pro Tip 3/3Idiomatic Origins
Refers to its figurative meaning, not related to literal teeth cutting such as during infancy.
Many chefs cut their teeth on basic techniques before mastering gourmet cooking.
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