Grist

Definition

Grain that has been ground into flour, particularly for milling; also used metaphorically to mean material or subject matter useful for a particular purpose or argument. The phrase 'grist for the mill' means something that can be put to good use.

Example Usage

Every scandal that emerged became grist for the political opposition's mill.

Origin

From Old English 'grist,' related to grinding grain between millstones.

Fun Fact

The metaphorical use of 'grist for the mill' became popular in the 17th century as a way to describe how mills could process any type of grain into usable flour.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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