Definition: to learn a new skill; to get basic experience
Examples:
He is a big, famous Finance Guru at the World Bank now, but he cut his teeth managing the finances for small textile factories in Egypt.
He is a great addition to our manufacturing team, because earlier in his career, he cut his teeth doing quality control at Toyota.
Definition: to attract a lot of attention; to get noticed Examples: Everyone is talking about the new movie. It really made a splash. That new book is really popular. The author is on all the talk shows. She really made a splash.
Definition: to create a significant impression; to cause trouble, to be disruptive Examples: At your new job, be sure to speak up at meetings. You want to make waves right from the start. I didn't know anyone at the dinner party, so I kept quiet. I didn't want to make...
Definition: to say something awkward or inappropriate Examples: I saw my boss on the street yesterday. He was with a woman. I said I loved his wife's dress, but she wasn't his wife. She was his girlfriend. I definitely put my foot in my mouth that time. I thought the...