an axe to grind
Hidden selfish motive
A hidden agenda or personal motivation, especially a grievance or self-interest that colors someone's actions or opinions.
Someone with an axe to grind pursues a cause not from principle but from resentment or private advantage: He claims to be objective, but he has an axe to grind with the company.
The phrase often implies bias masquerading as impartiality.
- ulterior motiveConcealed purpose behind behavior
- resentmentPersistent bitter displeasure
- bitternessSharp, unpleasant taste or feeling
- bone to pickComplaint requiring confrontation
- self-interestConcern for personal advantage
vendetta · bad blood · hidden agenda · discontent · bias · ambition · rancor · accusation · grudge · score to settle · manipulation · advocacy · lobbying · criticism · envy · animosity · sour grapes · dispute
an axe to grindimpartiality
Freedom from prejudice
disinterestedness · objectivity · neutrality · open-mindedness · fairness
an axe to grindletting bygones be bygones
Pardoning previous conflicts
clean slate · no hard feelings · forgiveness · equanimity · detachment
axed, axing, grind, grinds, ground, grinding, grinder, grinders