through the mill

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.

Norris has been through the mill this year.

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.

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

It was a nice 6-1 - you can expect to come here and have a 6-4 or 6-5 and go through the mill a little bit, but none of that at all.