cut teeth

cut teeth  {v. phr.}
1. To have teeth grow out through the gums.
The baby was cross because he was cutting teeth.
2. or cut eye teeth  {informal}
To learn something very early in life; gain experience; start by learning or doing. — Used with a possessive, usually used with "on".
The professional ball player cut his teeth on a baseball bat in the sandlots.
Mr. Jones's company is building the new Post Office in town but Mr. Jones cut his eye teeth as a carpenter.
Categories: experience {informal} {v. phr.}