For starters, the former, about running a big bill up, is, at best, subpar. I cannot imagine either writing or saying it that way.

And perhaps you didn't complete the latter:

I ran an old friend through the sausage grinder. Or some such.

I'll admit to not having gone back up this thread, but I certainly don't remember anything that would generate your question. Whence came it? Actually, I just went back and looked and I still don't see anything like what you've asked your question about. Was it something we said? Or just something that came to mind?

TEd

Edit:

Of course if I were a basketball coach I could run a Chauncey Billup.

TEd