Cut your teeth on something

Pro Tip 1/3

Career 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 2/3

Skill 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 3/3

Idiomatic 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.