go through the mill: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘go through the mill’ mean?
The idiom "go through the mill" means to undergo a difficult or challenging experience, often involving hardships or struggles.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "through the mill" means to go through a difficult or challenging experience, often resulting in personal growth or resilience.
The idiom "jump through hoops" means to go to great lengths or make a considerable effort to achieve or satisfy someone's demands or expectations.
The idiom "in the thick of it" means being deeply involved or immersed in a difficult or challenging situation.
The idiom "hot water" refers to being in a difficult or troublesome situation, often due to one's own actions or decisions.
The idiom "hot water" has a long history and has been used in the English language for centuries. It refers to being in a difficult or uncomfortable situation, often due to being in trouble or facing consequences for one's actions. The origins of this idiom are unclear, but there are several theories that attempt to explain its meaning.
The idiom "hell to pay" means to face severe consequences or trouble for one's actions or decisions.
The idiom "heavy lifting" refers to the difficult or hard work needed to accomplish a task or achieve a goal.
The idiom "hard done by" refers to feeling unfairly treated or disadvantaged in a situation. It implies a sense of experiencing hardship or being poorly treated in comparison to others.
The idiom "hard done by" is a commonly used expression in English to describe someone who has been treated unfairly or has experienced hardship or adversity. It originated in the UK or possibly Australia in the mid-19th century. The exact origin of the idiom, however, remains uncertain.
The idiom "hang tough" means to persevere or remain determined in difficult or challenging situations. It conveys the idea of not giving up or wavering in the face of adversity.
The Arduous Process: A Deep Dive into 'Go Through the Mill'
The idiom "go through the mill" originated in the 16th century and is commonly used in both British and American English. It refers to experiencing a difficult and challenging situation, often involving a series of hardships or trials that test one's resilience and strength. This figurative phrase suggests enduring a long and arduous journey filled with numerous obstacles and setbacks.
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the literal process of grinding grain in a mill. Milling grain was a labor-intensive task that required crushing and grinding the grains using heavy stones or machinery. It demanded physical strength and endurance to operate the mill and achieve the desired outcome.
Today, "go through the mill" is frequently used to describe individuals who have faced significant challenges or hardships in various areas of their lives. These challenges can range from personal or professional struggles to health issues or difficult relationships. The idiom underscores the endurance and resilience needed to overcome such difficult circumstances.
Although the usage of "go through the mill" has declined in recent years, it continues to be employed to describe individuals who have emerged stronger or wiser as a result of their struggles. It conveys the idea that enduring and navigating through tough times has a transformative effect, shaping one's character and outlook. The phrase offers a powerful metaphor for the journey of life and the adversity we may encounter along the way.
Another idiom related to "go through the mill" is "through the mill." Just like "go through the mill," this idiom denotes experiencing a difficult and challenging situation. However, "through the mill" has a stronger emphasis on enduring and persevering through a rigorous process or series of obstacles.
"go through hell" is another related idiom that shares a similar meaning with "go through the mill." It signifies facing extreme adversity or enduring a particularly arduous and painful experience. This idiom conveys the idea of being tested to one's limits and persisting despite the hardships.
An idiom related to the challenges and difficulties of "go through the mill" is "heavy going." This phrase describes something that is difficult or demanding, requiring significant effort and perseverance. It can be used to describe tasks, situations, or even people who present challenging or taxing circumstances.
Furthermore, "hell to pay" is an idiom that relates to the challenges and troubles one may encounter when "going through the mill." It refers to the consequences or negative repercussions that can arise from a difficult situation. The phrase suggests that there will be a price to pay or consequences to face as a result of enduring or persevering through challenging circumstances.
Lastly, "jump through hoops" is an idiom that highlights the effort and determination required to overcome obstacles and achieve a goal. It refers to the act of going to great lengths, enduring challenges, or meeting demanding requirements in order to accomplish something. This idiom aligns with the themes of resilience and endurance present in "go through the mill."
The idiom "go through the mill" originated from the literal process of grinding grain in a mill and has evolved to represent the figurative meaning of experiencing a difficult and challenging situation. The phrase emphasizes the endurance and resilience required to overcome hardships. Although its usage has declined in recent years, it continues to be used to describe individuals who have faced significant challenges and emerged stronger as a result. The idiom provides a powerful metaphor for the journey of life and the adversity we may encounter along the way.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "go through the mill" can be used in a sentence:
- After losing his job, John went through the mill looking for a new one.
- She went through the mill during her divorce, dealing with lawyers and emotional stress.
- The young actress experienced a tough audition process and went through the mill before finally landing a role.
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