What does “To bring grist to somebody’s mill.” mean?
"To bring grist to somebody’s mill" means to unintentionally do something that benefits someone else.
What context can I use the in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Example
I didn't realize that my mistake would bring grist to somebody's mill. It ended up helping them in the long run.
I didn't realize that my mistake would bring grist to somebody's mill. It ended up helping them in the long run.
Example
She didn't mean to, but her comment actually brought grist to somebody's mill. It gave them the perfect opportunity to prove their point.
She didn't mean to, but her comment actually brought grist to somebody's mill. It gave them the perfect opportunity to prove their point.
Example
His failure to complete the project on time brought grist to somebody's mill. It allowed another team to step in and showcase their skills
His failure to complete the project on time brought grist to somebody's mill. It allowed another team to step in and showcase their skills
Is “To bring grist to somebody’s mill.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“To bring grist to somebody’s mill.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “To bring grist to somebody’s mill.” effectively in context?
You can use "To bring grist to somebody's mill" when you want to provide someone with useful or valuable information or resources that can benefit them in some way. It emphasizes the idea of contributing to someone's knowledge or success. For example, if a colleague is working on a project and you come across relevant articles, you might say, 'I found some interesting articles that might bring grist to your mill. They could be helpful for your research.'
- 1Academic
She shared her personal experiences, which brought grist to my mill. It gave me a new perspective on the topic.
She shared her personal experiences, which brought grist to my mill. It gave me a new perspective on the topic.
- 2Professional
His extensive knowledge in the field brings grist to his mill. He always has valuable insights to share.
His extensive knowledge in the field brings grist to his mill. He always has valuable insights to share.
- 3Personal
After attending a workshop, she brought grist to her friend's mill by sharing the key takeaways and resources.
After attending a workshop, she brought grist to her friend's mill by sharing the key takeaways and resources.
Similar phrases to “To bring grist to somebody’s mill.”:
A source or collection of valuable and useful information
Example
The library's database is a gold mine of information for researchers.
The library's database is a gold mine of information for researchers.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “To bring grist to somebody’s mill.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "To bring grist to somebody's mill" is unknown.
Is “To bring grist to somebody’s mill.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "To bring grist to somebody's mill" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more often used in formal or academic contexts where people emphasize the value of sharing knowledge or resources.
What tone does “To bring grist to somebody’s mill.” have?
"To bring grist to somebody's mill" conveys a tone of helpfulness and contribution. It suggests that the information or resources being provided can be beneficial and valuable to the recipient.
Can “To bring grist to somebody’s mill.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "To bring grist to somebody's mill" is more formal in nature and is commonly used in academic or professional settings. It is less likely to be used in casual or informal conversations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She shared her personal experiences, which brought grist to my mill.' However, in some cases, it can be understood even if used alone, such as saying 'This article will bring grist to your mill.' to imply that the article contains valuable information.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- provide valuable insights
- offer useful resources
- contribute to someone's knowledge
- give someone an advantage
Antonyms
- withhold information
- keep someone in the dark
- deprive someone of resources
- hold back valuable insights
