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Hidden agenda
01
a secret reason behind a plan or action
Idiom
Informal
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Abstract
Composition
Compound
Countable
Plural form
hidden agendas
What is the origin of the idiom "hidden agenda" and when to use it?
The idiom "hidden agenda" originated from the combination of the words "hidden" and "agenda." It refers to a concealed or secret plan, motive, or objective that someone possesses, typically in a situation where they claim to have different intentions or goals. The phrase implies that the individual has ulterior motives or hidden purposes beyond what they openly express, leading to suspicion or mistrust regarding their true intentions.
Examples
The politician 's support for the new policy was questioned, as many believed he had a hidden agenda to benefit his financial backers.
