Region: General | Usage example: He cut his teeth in retail before becoming a buyer.

Cut your teeth

Meaning

Gain initial experience or training in something.

Used to describe newcomers learning their craft.

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Refers to the first teeth emerging in infants, used metaphorically for first experiences.

British figurative usage dates to the 17th century.