Old hand

An experienced person skilled in a particular activity.

Reach for it when referring informally to someone with long practical experience

As an old hand, Priya repaired the loom without fuss.

• playful

  dab hand

  British informal skill is the desired flavor

  not when Dab hand is unfamiliar outside some dialects.

• playful

  pro

  informal confidence in ability suits the voice

  not when Pro can mean paid rather than experienced.

• professional

  expert

  high demonstrated skill matters more than tenure

  not when Expertise can be acquired quickly.

• professional

  veteran

  long service or repeated experience is central

  not when Veteran can imply military service without context.

• formal

  seasoned practitioner

  experience and professional practice both matter

  not when This institutional wording sacrifices the idiom's warmth.

• literary

  master

  exceptional command of a craft is being praised

  not when Master can sound hierarchical or gendered.

• novice
• newcomer
• beginner

• old hand at

  As an old hand at loom repair, Priya spotted the fault quickly.

• experienced old hand

  The experienced old hand taught each apprentice a safer grip.

• ask an old hand

  When the hinge sticks, ask an old hand before forcing it.

Old hand praises experience but can sound age-coded; veteran or experienced practitioner may fit formal contexts better.