Adjective
through the mill (not comparable)
(idiomatic) Through a period of bad treatment or an ordeal.
put through the mill
In the broad sense, as a processing of everything one hears or witnesses, all fiction is autobiographical - imagination ground through the mill of memory. It's impossible to separate the two ingredients. Rohinton Mistry
He added other touches, such as switching all the old, hot lights over to LED and making water flow through the mill into a cascading waterfall. Source: Internet
The beleaguered Blues were now in danger of suffering a real pounding, with confidence visibly sapped from the players, who have been through the mill this season. Source: Internet
These children have been through the mill and it is within our grasp to make sure they have some kind of life in Cumbria.” Source: Internet
'Pete's been through the mill compared to the rest. Source: Internet