Grist to the mill

Meaning

The idiom "grist to the mill" means resources, material, or support needed for someone to accomplish something. It can also refer to someone who provides these resources.

Usage

• The company provided grist to the mill by investing in new technology.
• She was always willing to provide grist to the mill by helping her colleagues.
• The politician made promises but failed to deliver grist to the mill.
• The artist received critical acclaim and grist to the mill for his latest work.
• The project struggled without enough grist to the mill, as the team lacked funding and resources.

Roots and History

The phrase "grist to the mill" is believed to have originated in the early 1800s from the idea of grinding grain into flour at a mill. Grist refers to the wheat or other grains used for milling, while the mill represents the machinery needed to process the grist. Therefore, grist to the mill means the raw materials and resources needed to fuel the machinery of industry, commerce, or art. Over time, the phrase has come to be used more broadly to refer to any resources or support needed for someone to accomplish something.

Synonyms in English

• Fuel for the engine
• Ammunition
• Resources
• Support
• Tools of trade

Synonyms in other languages

• 腔穿 (Táo yóu) - Chinese idiom meaning to "insert oneself into" or to "actively participate"
• 狠狗饧嘻 (Fēng hǔ jíng huā) - Chinese idiom meaning to "act eagerly and loyally"
• 衝浪 (Cháng rán) - Japanese idiom meaning to "surge forward" or to "rush in"
• 荒涼 (Aridzumi) - Japanese idiom meaning "barren land" or "empty desert"
• 献身 (Kaisōn) - Japanese idiom meaning "to dedicate oneself" or "to sacrifice oneself"

Similar Idioms

• goose egg

• go with the flow

• your guess is as good as mine