through the mill

Idioms  

1. Hardship or rough treatment, as in They put him through the mill, making him work at every one of the machines, or Jane was exhausted; she felt she'd been through the mill. This term alludes to being ground down like grain in a mill. [Late 1800s]

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Example Sentences

"My family have gone through the mill over the years," Mr Hunt said.

From BBC

As for the drivers, yes, Hamilton has been through the mill this year, but his performances have improved over the season, even if Brazil was a difficult race for him.

From BBC

Norris has been through the mill this year.

From BBC

You are both relatively young and, while you’ve been through the mill with your health, your wife likely wants to work a few more years for reasons that go beyond mere finances.

From MarketWatch

"I've been through the mill to even get on the plane," says Knight.

From BBC