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axe to grind
01
a hidden personal motive or vested interest in a matter
Idiom
InformalWhat 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.
Example
She was always promoting her own products during meetings; it was clear she had an axe to grind.
The journalist had an axe to grind with the mayor, which was evident in his biased reporting.
