what is the meaning of the phrase "as thick as flies around a sorghum mill'

A sorghum mill would have a lot of grasses, many raised for grain. Have you ever smelled rotting grass? This mill would have TONS of flies around it! Not a pleasant image!

Sra

The phrase "as thick as flies around a sorghum mill" is an idiomatic expression that is used to describe a situation where there are a lot of people, objects, or activities in a certain place or happening at the same time. It suggests a sense of busyness, chaos, or crowdedness.

To understand the meaning of this phrase, we can break it down:

1. "As thick as" means "as numerous or dense as." It implies a high concentration, abundance, or multiplication of something.

2. "Flies" refers to the small flying insects commonly found around food or waste. Flies are known for their ability to multiply quickly and be present in large numbers.

3. "A sorghum mill" is a specific location where sorghum, a type of grain, is processed. A sorghum mill is often associated with a sticky and sweet substance that attracts flies due to its smell and moisture content.

Therefore, when someone says, "as thick as flies around a sorghum mill," they are saying that there is a significant amount or concentration of something, similar to how numerous flies gather around a sorghum mill.