Run of the Mill

Posted by Bruce Kahl on October 11, 1999

In Reply to: Run of the Mill posted by Helen on October 10, 1999

: What's the origin of this phrase - I can find no reference.

Run of the mill, as in plain not fancy.
I always thought the phrase had to do with some product
being produced in a factory, the "mill",
as opposed to being produced by hand.
The product coming from the mill would be
quite ordinary, one of a thousand, while the
hand-made item would be quite unique,
one of a kind, not the "run of the mill"!!

• Run of the Mill Bob 10/12/99
  • Run of the Mill Terry 10/13/99
    • Run of the Mill ESC 10/16/99