As an idiom, to something means to gain your first experience or learn basic skills in a particular field, often through a specific project or job. It suggests a foundational period of learning that prepares you for more advanced work.
: To "pay your dues," "earn your stripes," or "get your start". Cultural and Artistic References cut_a_tooth
: "She cut her journalistic teeth working for a small local newspaper". As an idiom, to something means to gain