axe to grind
Meaning
A personal agenda or selfish reason for saying/doing something, often indicating bias.
Origin
Often traced to an 1810 essay by Charles Miner describing a boy tricked into grinding a man’s axe—later used metaphorically for someone pursuing a self-interested objective.
Notes
Suggests someone isn’t neutral and is pushing a self-serving agenda; slightly accusatory. Common in “have/don’t have an axe to grind.”
Examples
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I don't have an axe to grind here; I just want us to look at the data honestly.
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Be careful taking advice from him—he usually has an axe to grind with management.
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The report reads like the author had an axe to grind rather than a case to make.
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She insisted she had no axe to grind, but her comments kept circling back to her old boss.
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Journalists should disclose any potential axe to grind when covering a controversial issue.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Typically used with “have”: “have an axe to grind (with someone)” or “don’t have an axe to grind.” Article usually “an.” Can take “with + person/issue.”
Synonyms
- ulterior motive
- personal agenda
- vested interest
- hidden agenda
- bias
Antonyms
- be impartial
- have no ulterior motive