old hand

noun

1. a person who is experienced in or familiar with a subject, area, procedure, etc..

   The guide you just hired is an old hand at leading safaris.

old hand

noun

1. a person who is skilled at something through long experience

2. informal,  (in the 19th century) an ex-convict

3. informal,  a person who is long established in a place

Word History and Origins

Origin of old hand¹

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

Rashford, also bidding to earn a World Cup slot with England while on loan from Manchester United, will be experiencing an El Clasico for the first time, but Bellingham is an old hand.

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Could the cardinals elect an African or an Asian Pope, or might they favour one of the old hands of the Vatican administration?

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I recall that when Hegseth was confirmed there were some old hand types saying "good luck" when people would say he was going to come in and totally revamp the Pentagon in Trump's image.

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He's an old hand at anti-trans hatred, even implying that the social acceptance of trans people is a threat to civilization.

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Trump’s an old hand at gaslighting where money is concerned.

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Related Words

• old-timer