old hand

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

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.

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

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

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