Run of the mill

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Meaning

Ordinary and unremarkable, just standard fare.

Origin

From 19th-century Britain, tied to mills; 'run' was a batch of standard textiles or flour, slang by 1909 for common. A 1922 'Times' uses it for a dull play.

Variants

  • Run of mill

Usage Examples

  • It's a run-of-the-mill diner; nothing fancy.
  • He's run of the mill; decent but not memorable.
  • A run-of-the-mill day: work, eat, sleep.

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