The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 3 plus 4 letter word OLD HAND
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
O
L
D
H
A
N
D
More clues leading to the result OLD HAND
- Expert: one dealt with Cockney’s claim
- Someone experienced and supporting former husband
- She knows the ropes hold rocks, moreover
- Knocking On Heaven’s Door, primarily about an experienced performer
- Person who’s experienced untold handicaps, in part
- Veteran that’s discarded in reshuffle
- Professional worker to support aged
- Grandpa’s right, perhaps, being a man of experience
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Someone experienced" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case someone experienced = old hand.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.