go through/put somebody through the mill
go through the mill
To be abused or treated very harshly; to suffer intense anguish, stress, or grief. I went through the mill as a kid in high school. I couldn't get out of there fast enough. The coach was renowned for his strict practice regimen, and his players went through the mill to become the toughest in the state.
See also: go, mill, through
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
go through the mill
If you go through the mill, you experience a very difficult period in your life with many problems. She's been through the mill these last few years — the collapse of her marriage and her career and a serious illness on top of that. It's been an incredibly tough tour and we have all been through the mill. Note: You can also say that something or someone puts someone through the mill. Following the England side over the years, I have been put through the mill emotionally. Note: The reference here is to grain passing through a mill and being made into flour.
See also: go, mill, through
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
go (or put someone) through the mill
undergo (or cause someone to undergo) an unpleasant experience.See also: go, mill, through
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
go through/put somebody through the ˈmill
experience, or make somebody experience, something difficult or painful: It was a very difficult interview. They really put me through the mill. She’s been through the mill this year. First she lost her job and then her house was burgled.A mill is a machine for crushing or grinding a solid substance into powder.
See also: go, mill, put, somebody, through
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- go through the mill
- through the mill, to go/to be put
- put (one) through the mill
- through the mill
- put (one) through hell
- crack down on (something)
- crack down on, to
- did everything he could 'cept eat us
- (one) did everything (one) could 'cept eat (someone)
- cept