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axe to grind
01
a hidden personal motive or vested interest in a matter
What is the origin of the idiom "axe to grind" and when to use it?
The idiom "axe to grind" comes from a story by Charles Miner, published in 1815. In this story, a man falsely accused another of having an axe to grind and made it a metaphor for having a hidden agenda or personal interest in a matter. It is used to refer to someone who has a personal motive or vested interest in something rather than being objective or impartial.
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Some politicians seem to have an axe to grind when they push certain policies for personal gain.
The journalist had an axe to grind with the mayor, which was evident in his biased reporting.
