expression, noun
skill from one's past; old hand's knack; experience from the old days
Idiomatic expression referring to a skill or ability acquired in the past that remains useful or impressive later. Often used when someone demonstrates a talent they haven't practiced in a long time. Literally 'the handle of the pestle one used to use'.
父は昔取った杵柄で、久しぶりにギターを弾いても上手だった。
My father, with the skill from his younger days, played the guitar well even after a long time.
祖母の料理は昔取った杵柄で、今でも絶品だ。
My grandmother's cooking is still superb, thanks to her old-hand knack.
Literally 'the handle of the pestle one used to take (in the past)'. The phrase originates from the idea that even after a long time, one's hands remember the feel of a tool they once used skillfully, like a pestle for pounding rice. The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it is a well-established Japanese idiom.