# grist for the mill

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/grist-for-the-mill
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Something that is useful or that creates a favorable opportunity.

## Examples

- Every experience is grist for the mill for a good writer.
- She saved all her travel stories, knowing they would be grist for the mill when she started her new blog.
- The politician viewed the recent economic downturn as grist for the mill, using the crisis to argue for his new legislative agenda.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.