sly old fox; overcooked youtiao
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesnoun
a wily old bird; a sly old fox; a slippery character
informalFigurative term for someone who is worldly-wise, cunning, and adept at manipulating rules for their own benefit, often implying a lack of sincerity or principle. Has a somewhat negative connotation. Note: The dictionary entry text provided the abbreviated form '老油子' as a synonym/explanation.
He's a slick operator in the office; nobody can do anything about him.
Don't try to outsmart him; he's very shrewd, a real old fox.
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That slippery character found another excuse to push the work onto someone else.
noun
overcooked youtiao; deep-fried dough stick that is fried too long
Literal meaning referring to the food item 'youtiao' (fried dough stick) that has been fried for too long, making it tough, oily, and unappealing.
This youtiao is overcooked; it's become a tough old stick, impossible to bite.