老油条

老油条

Literally means:

old sticks

Actually means:

old campaigner

油条, deep-fried twisted sticks, usually taken as breakfast by the Chinese. When unfinished, they may be put back to the oil and refried, thus becoming old fried dough sticks.

It metaphorically means someone who is capable and experienced, but not efficient and responsible when doing his job, and is hard to deal with. Derogatory.

油条，油炸的条状面食，常作中国人的早点。没有及时吃掉的油条又放到锅里重炸，就是老油条。

比喻有能力、有经验，但作风拖拉，办事不负责任，难以管理的人。具有贬义色彩。