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

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

From Salon

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

From BBC

During the 2020 campaign, he said he viewed himself as a “transitional president,” a wise old hand who would send Trump into retirement and hand the baton to a new generation.

From Los Angeles Times

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