English Reference
Idiom idiom

dusty miller


A formulaic phrase for a miller, related to the dust generated in the milling process.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

The old dusty miller carried a heavy sack of flour.

CONTEXTUAL

Every morning, the dusty miller opened the shop to begin grinding the fresh wheat.

COMPLEX

Covered in a fine layer of white powder, the dusty miller stood by the turning stones and watched the grain transform into flour.


Related idioms2entries
  1. 01

    drown the miller

    To put too much water in something; overdilute.

  2. 02

    Miller of Dee

    Someone who lives independently and unattached to others, especially for selfish reasons.

Last updated August 10, 2026