The phrase "puts through the mill" is an idiom used to describe subjecting someone or something to a rigorous and demanding process. The word "puts" is pronounced /pʊts/ with the vowel sound in "foot", while "through" is pronounced /θruː/ with the vowel sound in "mood". The word "mill" sounds like /mɪl/ with the vowel sound in "sit". Together, the phrase is spelled as it sounds, with no deviations from standard English pronunciation.
To put someone through the mill is an idiomatic expression that refers to subjecting an individual to a challenging or difficult experience, often involving intense scrutiny, testing, or training. This phrase originates from the idea of a mill, which is a machine used to grind or crush something into finer particles, serving as a metaphor for subjecting someone to a process that inflicts intense pressure or scrutiny.
When someone is put through the mill, they are typically going through a demanding or arduous ordeal that tests their physical, mental, or emotional fortitude. It implies that the individual is being thoroughly examined or assessed in a rigorous manner, which can often be grueling and uncomfortable.
This expression is commonly used in contexts where individuals are undergoing intense training, scrutinized by challenging exams, grilled through rigorous interviews, or dealing with difficult situations that push them to their limits. It implies that the person is being put under significant stress or strain, and the process they are going through can be seen as harsh or uncompromising.
Overall, "puts through the mill" signifies a person's experience of being put through a challenging or demanding process that tests their capabilities, patience, and endurance.