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Grist

Posted by Windy on June 10, 2004

In Reply to: Grist posted by Rube on June 10, 2004

: : I have heard the phrase "gris to the mill" hundreds of times in the West Midlands. My understanding is that it means 'more evidence' or 'something else that helps' or something like that.
: : Does anyone know where the phrase comes from? I guess it originated in the northern mills, but it would be great to know the real origin of the phrase.

: It is grist (grain) that gets to the mill and produces flour for sustenance or provides profit from the sale thereof.

: I don't know the origin as a metaphor - wouldn't be surprised if it was first said by or to a miller.

'(more) grist to the mill' means more material to work with. can be used in the same sense as 'fuel to the fire', but not inevitably.

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