old horse
Past-prime steed
Old horse is an affectionate or familiar term of address, typically between men: How are you, old horse?
The phrase suggests long acquaintance and easy camaraderie, like calling someone "old friend" or "old boy." It can also refer literally to an aged horse, or figuratively to a person who has been around a long time and knows the ropes.
Neutral achromatic tone
- grayingLosing color with age
- sway-backedHaving sunken spine
- stiffNot easily bent
- slowLacking in speed
arthritic · creaky · tired · fading · past prime · retired · worn · weary
Worthy of trust
- trustworthyWorthy of confidence
- steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
- faithfulConsistently loyal and true
- steadyFixed, not fluctuating
consistent · proven · tried-and-true · unfailing · loyal · solid · sturdy · stalwart
Capacity for sustained effort
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- toughnessResilient durability under strain
- persistenceContinuing despite difficulty
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
staying power · hardiness · grit · perseverance · survivor · longevity · durability · plodding
Experienced former soldier
- seasonedFlavored or battle-tested
- battle-scarredDamaged by fighting
- grizzledStreaked with gray
- testedExamined for quality
hardened · wise · knowledgeable · trained · skilled · practiced · weathered · instinctive
grey
Neutral achromatic tone
- grayingLosing color with age
- sway-backedHaving sunken spine
- stiffNot easily bent
slow · arthritic · creaky · tired · fading · past prime · retired · worn · weary · venerable
dependable
Worthy of trust
- trustworthyWorthy of confidence
- steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
- faithfulConsistently loyal and true
steady · consistent · proven · tried-and-true · unfailing · loyal · solid · sturdy · stalwart · stable
stamina
Capacity for sustained effort
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- toughnessResilient durability under strain
- persistenceContinuing despite difficulty
tenacity · staying power · hardiness · grit · perseverance · survivor · longevity · durability · plodding · tireless
veteran
Experienced former soldier
- seasonedFlavored or battle-tested
- battle-scarredDamaged by fighting
- grizzledStreaked with gray
tested · hardened · wise · knowledgeable · trained · skilled · practiced · weathered · instinctive · savvy