an old hand

an old hand

One who has experience doing a particular task. If you have any questions, ask Andrea—she's done this job before and is an old hand at filing. I've been a bus driver for seven years, so I'm an old hand at this.
See also: hand, old
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

old hand (at doing something)

someone who is experienced at doing something. The maid was an old hand at polishing silver. Bob is an old hand at training dogs.
See also: hand, old
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

an old hand

COMMON If someone is an old hand at something, they have a lot of experience of doing it. Bryce is an old hand at this kind of project, having moved house six times in ten years. Whether you're a beginner or an old hand, these two new books will help you enjoy this satisfying craft. Note: You can describe someone as an older hand when you are comparing them with someone who is less experienced. The 11 who take on England will be a mix of youngsters and older hands.
See also: hand, old
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

an old ˈhand (at something/at doing something)

a person who is very experienced at something: Pete’s an old hand at negotiating our contracts — he’s been at the firm nearly twenty years, so he knows all the procedures. OPPOSITE: (still) wet behind the ears
See also: hand, old
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

old hand

verb
See old hand at something
See also: hand, old

old hand (at something)

n. someone experienced at doing something. I’m an old hand at fixing cars.
See also: hand, old, something
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • old hand
  • old hand at something
  • dodge the column
  • crisis
  • athlete
  • be a (something) in the making
  • grunt
  • bet up
  • be dragging (one's) feet
  • be dragging your feet
References in classic literature
I took them off with all the coolness of an old hand, and then I placed him on my knee and removed his blouse.
The Little White Bird
Sarah, though checked by this flank attack, was herself an old hand in the art.
The Valley of the Moon
You carry it off like an old hand! But at midnight, and in the forest, we shall have other talk together!"
Scarlet Letter
He had a sense of humor, and later on, when he became an old hand, he used to think it fun to board a streetcar and see what happened.
Jungle
As for Good, he rose and wrung his hands over the brave man who had given his life to save him, and, though I am an old hand, I felt a lump grow in my throat.
King Solomons Mines
BOMB disposal experts have destroyed an old hand grenade found in a canal.
Bomb disposal experts destroy WWII hand grenade found in canal
Show me a young lad who has the mind of an old hand - you already have my vote.
We don't need youths in Nigerian politics
Later in the War it was very nearly impossible for old hands who were sick to get sent to hospital, and during the time that Dr Dunn was with the Battalion and we were out of action, whenever an old hand went sick he would doctor him himself and do his utmost to keep the man in the Battalion.
MORNING SERIAL
Smart hurdler Coneygree, a halfbrother to 2011 Hennessy Gold Cup winner Carruthers, jumped like an old hand to lift the Grade 2 novice chase -- won in the past by Gold Cup winners Bobs Worth and Denman -- in which the 11-10 shot Saphir Du Rheu unshipped Sam Twiston-Davies at the seventh.
GREE GLEE FOR MARK
Knitted on modern machinery, the design is inspired by an old hand frame knitted creation in the Shetland style and features a fleur de lis pattern and hand- finished scalloped edge with a wide patterned border.
A SHAWL THING
When Karel Leden, an old hand at seduction, is introduced to the bikini-clad Lenka Silver, it's love at first sight.
Miss Silver's Past
Whether you are an old hand at the sport or a neophyte yearning for that first rug on the wall, you'll find nuggets of wisdom to increase your future success.
The bear essentials
He's an absolute natural and jumps like an old hand."
Mick's brilliant trial has Young eyeing hurdles gold
Sam McNulty, who is running the auditions, said: "Whether you're an old hand or brand new to the music scene, you are invited to apply to show everyone what you're made of."
Auditions for Godiva Festival
Velasco is an old hand, having participated in governments since the left returned to power in 1990.
No more honeymoon