The phrase “cut my teeth” is an idiom that means to gain experience with something, especially at a young age. It is often used to describe someone who has learned the basics of a particular skill or profession. The phrase is believed to have originated from the painful process of teething, when a baby’s teeth first appear through the gums. The phrase has been in use since the late 1600s.
Here are some examples of how the phrase can be used in a sentence:
- “I cut my teeth on those kinds of equations!”
- “Jen may be young, but she cut her teeth at a prestigious journal, so her perspective and expertise will be invaluable to us.”
- “He plans to cut his teeth on demanding theatre parts before making the break for TV and film.”