cut a tooth

Frequency: 5.03.5 per million words

Refers to a new tooth emerging through the gum, especially in babies. Can also be used figuratively (cut one's teeth on something) to mean gaining initial experience.

toothVERB + NOUN

Categories:

cut

Examples (10)

  • The baby's crying because he's cutting a new tooth.
  • My nephew is six months old and just started cutting his first tooth.
  • It's common for infants to be fussy when they are cutting teeth.
  • She could tell her daughter was cutting a molar tooth because of the drooling.
  • How many teeth has your baby cut so far?
  • The young reporter cut her teeth working on local news stories.
  • He cut his teeth in the tech industry during its formative years.
  • Many famous chefs cut their teeth in small, family-run restaurants.
  • Before becoming CEO, she cut her teeth managing various regional departments.
  • This entry-level position is a great opportunity to cut your teeth in the marketing field.