An axe to grind

Definitions

• Have a hidden agenda or ulterior motive
  To have a personal or selfish reason for doing or saying something, often at the expense of others

• Hold a grudge
  To have a lingering feeling of resentment or anger towards someone or something, often leading to seeking revenge or taking action against them

Examples of An axe to grind

• John has an axe to grind with his boss. He's been working late every night and seems to be resentful about something.

  This idiom means that someone has a hidden agenda or a specific reason for doing something. In this case, John might have a complaint or grievance against his boss, and his recent behavior could be a sign of that.

• Sarah's always been a bit of a busybody, but lately she seems to have an axe to grind. She's been meddling in other people's affairs and causing unnecessary drama.

  This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe someone who is overly involved in other people's business, perhaps with a specific goal or purpose in mind.

• The politician had an axe to grind during the debate, constantly interrupting his opponent and making inflammatory statements.

  This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe someone who is trying to gain an advantage or score points in a situation, often at the expense of others.

• The detective had an axe to grind in the case, as he had a personal connection to the victim.

  This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe someone who has a personal stake in a situation, perhaps because of past experiences or relationships.

• The writer had an axe to grind in his review, as he had a grudge against the author.

  This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe someone who is being unfairly critical or judgmental, perhaps because of a personal issue or conflict.

Conclusion

The idiom "an axe to grind" is used to describe someone who has a hidden agenda or ulterior motive for their actions or words. It can also refer to someone who holds a grudge and is seeking to harm or seek revenge on others. In both cases, the intention is to caution against trusting or engaging with this person as their motivations may not be genuine or beneficial.

Origin of "An axe to grind"

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to a story written by Benjamin Franklin in 1755. In the story, a man visits a blacksmith who is constantly stopping his work to sharpen his axe. The man asks the blacksmith why he stops so frequently, to which the blacksmith responds that he has an axe to grind. The man later realizes that the blacksmith had a personal vendetta against a competitor and was using his work as a cover for his true intentions.

The phrase has since evolved to refer to anyone with a hidden agenda or grudge, and is often used in a negative connotation to warn against trusting or engaging with such individuals. It can also be interpreted as a warning to be cautious of one's own motivations and to avoid holding grudges.