昔むかし取とった杵きね柄づか

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'.

• 父ちちは昔むかし取とった杵きね柄づかで、久ひさしぶりにギターを弾ひいても上手じょうずだった。

  My father, with the skill from his younger days, played the guitar well even after a long time.

• 祖そ母ぼの料りょう理りは昔むかし取とった杵きね柄づかで、今いまでも絶ぜっ品ぴんだ。

  My grandmother's cooking is still superb, thanks to her old-hand knack.