put (one) through the mill

put (one) through the mill

To abuse one or treat them very harshly; to make someone suffer intense anguish, stress, or grief. People in my high school put me through the mill as a kid. I couldn't get out of there fast enough. The coach was renowned for putting his players through the mill in order to make them the toughest in the state.
See also: mill, put, through
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • go through the mill
  • go through/put somebody through the mill
  • through the mill, to go/to be put
  • put (one) through hell
  • through the mill
  • gnaw
  • gnaw (at) (someone's) vitals
  • be soft on (someone)
  • go light on
  • go light on (someone)