run of the mill

R

run-of-the-mill (idiom)
/ˌrʌn əv ðə mɪl/

Meaning

• Not outstanding in quality or rarity; average, ordinary.
• Ordinary, with no special or interesting features.
• Merely average; commonplace; mediocre.
• Ordinary, average, or undistinguished in quality, character, or nature.
• Not special, unusual, or interesting in any way.
• Common; unexceptional.

Example Sentences

1. The restaurant’s food was run-of-the-mill, nothing extraordinary but still decent.
2. His run-of-the-mill presentation failed to impress the audience.
3. The hotel was run-of-the-mill, offering the same amenities as every other chain.
4. The movie’s plot was run-of-the-mill, predictable and lacking excitement.
5. Her dress was run-of-the-mill, not particularly stylish but fine for the occasion.
6. The job interview felt run-of-the-mill, with the usual questions and responses.

Origin and History

Industrial Beginnings

The phrase “run-of-the-mill” originated in the context of manufacturing. In the textile industry, a “run” referred to a continuous operation or production cycle. The “run of the mill” denoted the raw output of a mill before it had been sorted or graded for quality. These were goods produced in large quantities without any special attention to individual quality, making them standard and unexceptional.

Early Usage in the United States

The earliest known printed use of the term dates back to 1895 in an advertisement by Cook, Taylor & Co. of Lowell, Massachusetts. The ad described “Seconds and the run of the mill” clothing, indicating items that were produced in bulk without individual inspection for quality.

Evolution into Figurative Language

By the early 20th century, the term began to be used figuratively. In 1922, it was used to describe something as ordinary or average, as in “I guess I’m as good a husband as the run of the mill.” Over time, the phrase evolved from a noun to an adjective, commonly used to describe anything that is typical or unremarkable.

Other Similar Phrases

The concept behind “run-of-the-mill” is also reflected in other phrases such as “run of the mine” and “run of the kiln.” These expressions were used to describe raw materials like coal or bricks that came directly from the mine or kiln without any sorting or grading.

About the Author

Elena Jones holds a PhD in Education from Harvard University. She has extensive experience teaching at both the K–12 and university levels, with a particular focus on English as a Second Language. Elena has dedicated her career to advancing educational practices, and she has contributed to numerous educational journals.

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