cutting teeth
[/ˈkʌtɪŋ tiːθ/]
verb phrase / noun
nascimento de dentes / dentição
1. The process of baby teeth emerging through the gums; teething
The baby is cutting teeth and has been drooling a lot.
O bebê está nascendo dentes e tem babado muito.
2. Gaining initial experience or proving one's capability in a new role or field
He's cutting his teeth as a journalist at a local newspaper.
Ele está adquirindo experiência como jornalista em um jornal local.
In both American and Brazilian contexts, 'cutting teeth' is commonly used metaphorically to describe someone gaining experience in a profession. Literally, it refers to the challenging period when babies develop their first teeth. Brazilian parents frequently discuss this developmental stage, as it often causes discomfort and sleep disruption in infants.
NYC Slang
cuttin' teeth / learning the ropes
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