old soldier

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old soldier (plural old soldiers)

1. (also figurative) A former soldier, or one who has served for a long time. [from 17th c.]
   • 2022 February 9, Ben Jones, “Batteries included for future shunters”, in RAIL, number 950, page 54:

     For almost 90 years, the dependable 350hp diesel-electrics and their predecessors have given loyal service to Britain's industrial and main line railways, but even these old soldiers can't go on forever.

2. Someone with a lot of experience in something; an old hand. [from 18th c.]
3. (US, slang) The butt of a smoked cigar, or an empty bottle of liquor. [from 19th c.]
4. (slang) A bottle whose contents are drunk at a single sitting.

• come the old soldier