It's all grist to the mill

Definitions

• everything can be used or made useful
  Express that everything, even seemingly unimportant or negative things, can be used or turned to one's advantage

• everything contributes to a particular result or outcome
  Acknowledge that every little bit helps and that all efforts or contributions, no matter how small, are valuable in achieving a goal or outcome

Examples of It's all grist to the mill

• The CEO didn't seem too bothered by the company's recent losses. In fact, he said, "Every setback is all grist to the mill for us. It just means we've learned what doesn't work and can move forward with a better plan."

  This idiom is used to describe a positive perspective on tough situations. In this example, the CEO sees the recent losses as an opportunity to learn and improve, rather than a failure or defeat. "Grist" is corn kernels that are ground into flour. In the past, mills would grind up everything they could find, including the husks and other parts of the corn that were not usable as food. By saying "all grist," the CEO means he's not wasting anything from this experience - he's using it to his advantage.

• Her failures only made her a better entrepreneur. Each mistake was just grist for the mill, shaping her into the successful businesswoman she is today.

  The idiom "it's all grist to the mill" means that every experience, good or bad, can be used as an opportunity for growth or improvement. In this example, the person's mistakes and failures were not seen as setbacks, but rather as valuable lessons that contributed to her growth and success. The mill in this case represents a machine used to grind grain into flour; the grist refers to the grain being fed into the machine. This idiom highlights the idea that every challenge or obstacle can be turned into something useful or beneficial, just as the wheat kernels are turned into flour in the mill.

Conclusion

The idiom "It's all grist to the mill" is used to convey the idea that everything, no matter how insignificant or negative, can be utilized or contribute to a particular result. It emphasizes the notion that every effort or contribution, no matter how small, is valuable and can be used to one's advantage. The idiom encourages a mindset of resourcefulness and making the most of all available resources, even those that may initially seem unimportant or undesirable.

Origin of "It's all grist to the mill"

The phrase "grist to the mill" has its origins in the milling industry, where "grist" refers to grain that is ready to be ground into flour. The idiom likely originated in this context, emphasizing the idea that all grain, no matter its quality, contributes to the milling process and eventual production of flour. Over time, the phrase evolved into the more general idiom "It's all grist to the mill," conveying the broader concept that everything can be used or made useful.

The idiom has been in use for centuries and has been adapted to convey the idea that all efforts or contributions, no matter how small or seemingly unimportant, can be valuable and contribute to a particular result. It is a reminder to make the most of all available resources and to recognize the value in every contribution, no matter how insignificant it may seem.