None of these variations fit the precise 5‑2‑3‑4 pattern, so when you encounter that exact combination, “grist to the mill” is the intended solution.
Given the usual crossword tricks, the most likely intended answer is:
A similar sentiment regarding knowledge. Conclusion
Let’s return to the clue itself: . Why is that a fair definition for “grist to the mill”? Consider synonyms for “grist”: useful material or knowledge crossword clue 5 2 3 4
If a literal definition doesn't fit the letter count, ask yourself: "Is this an old idiom or a proverb?" Broaden your perspective from exact synonyms to cultural expressions.
Given common crossword cluing, the actual phrase that fits 5,2,3,4 in published puzzles (e.g., The New York Times puzzle from March 2021) for this exact clue is:
"Useful material" acts as a noun phrase. If the clue was "makes use of everything," the answer might have been a verb phrase. Matching the part of speech narrows down your mental dictionary. None of these variations fit the precise 5‑2‑3‑4
The answer to the crossword clue "useful material or knowledge" with the letter count (5, 2, 3, 4) is .
If you’ve encountered the clue with those specific letter counts, you are not looking for a single word. You are looking for a phrase —a four-word expression, with word lengths of five letters, two letters, three letters, and four letters respectively.
"Useful material or knowledge" is a highly conceptual definition for a physical metaphor (a grain mill). Why is that a fair definition for “grist to the mill”
However, I can propose another possible story.
If you are trying to understand the meaning deeper or need alternatives, consider these:
5 2 3 4
For a miller, any grain brought in—regardless of its quality or source—represented work to be done and profit to be made. Therefore, "all grist to the mill" meant that everything could be turned into something useful or valuable. How it Fits the Clue