go through the mill Definition

mill
noun

1a. A large machine that grinds grain into flour;
1b. A building containing such a machine.

Example: watermill
Example: windmill
2. Any of various smaller machines or devices for grinding a particular thing.

Example: a pepper mill
Thesaurus: grinder, grater, crusher.
3a. In manufacturing industry, etc: a large machine that presses, rolls or otherwise shapes something;
3b. A factory containing one or more of these machines.
4. Any factory.

Example: a woollen mill
Thesaurus: factory, plant, foundry, shop, works, manufactory.
5. An institution or place which seems to process (eg students) in an impersonal, factory-like way to deliver a standardized end-product.

verb milled, milling

1. To grind (grain, etc).

Thesaurus: grind, crush, pulverize, granulate, grate.
2. To shape (eg metal) in a mill.
3. To cut grooves into the edge of (a coin).
intr
4. colloq
To move in an aimless or confused manner.
Example: people milling around outside
Form: mill about (especially)
Form: mill around

Derivative: miller

Someone who owns or operates a mill, especially a grain mill.

A machine for milling.

Derivative: milling

The grinding of cereal grain to produce flour for use in making bread and other foodstuffs.

The act or process of passing anything through a mill.

The grooves, or the process of making grooves, in the edge of a coin, etc.

Idiom: go through the mill (put someone or something through the mill)

To undergo or make them or it undergo an unpleasant experience or difficult test.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon myln: from Latin molere to grind.