run-of-the-mine
Adjective: - Ordinary, average, or not special in any way. This term describes something that is common, typical, and does not possess any outstanding or unusual qualities. It is often used to emphasize the lack of distinction.
This adjective is used attributively (before a noun) to describe a noun as being very ordinary or standard. - It is a hyphenated compound adjective. - It often carries a slightly negative or dismissive connotation, suggesting something is merely average and not worthy of special attention.
- The phrase can be used to set up a contrast with something more exceptional.
- They served run-of-the-mine appetizers, but the main course was extraordinary.
- Run-of-the-mill: This is a much more common and standard variant with the identical meaning ("not special in any way"). "Run-of-the-mine" is a less frequent alternative.
- It was a run-of-the-mill meeting that could have been an email.
- Ordinary
- Average
- Unexceptional
- Commonplace
- Standard
- Mediocre
- Exceptional
- Extraordinary
- Outstanding
- Special
- Unique
"Run-of-the-mine" is synonymous with and derived from the more prevalent idiom "run of the mill." Both originally referred to the output of a mill or mine that was unsorted and of average quality, as opposed to a selected, superior grade. In modern usage, "run-of-the-mill" is the dominant form. Using "run-of-the-mine" may be considered nonstandard or a less common stylistic choice.
- not special in any way
- run-of-the-mill boxing
- your run-of-the-mine college graduate
- a unexceptional an incident as can be found in a lawyer's career