old hand

American  

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.

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old hand British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of old hand

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.

From BBC

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

From BBC

Ms Harris has also relied on many of Mr Obama’s old hands to help run her campaign.

From BBC

Those of us who have followed Real’s fortunes in the Champions League over the years are now old hands at this.

From BBC

Then she put out both her old hands, stretched wide open.

From Literature

Related Words

• old-timer