axes to grind
Scores to settle
Axes to grind are personal motives or grievances that bias someone's position on a matter.
The phrase implies self-interest disguised as principle: Every expert they quoted had axes to grind.
Someone with no axe to grind has no hidden agenda.
The singular axe to grind suggests a specific grudge or obsession: He has an axe to grind with the department head.
Persistent bitter displeasure
- vendettaProlonged retaliatory conflict
- grudgePersistent resentment toward someone
- complaintExpression of discontent
- beefBovine meat for eating
score to settle · bitterness · animosity · spite · hostility · retaliation · payback · revenge
Concealed purpose behind behavior
- hidden agendaUndisclosed true purpose
- biasUnfair inclination or prejudice
- self-interestConcern for personal advantage
- partisanshipLoyalty to one faction
lobbying · advocacy · scheming · manipulation · vested interest · angle · game plan · machination
resentment
Persistent bitter displeasure
- vendettaProlonged retaliatory conflict
- grudgePersistent resentment toward someone
- complaintExpression of discontent
beef · score to settle · bitterness · animosity · spite · hostility · retaliation · payback · revenge · retribution
ulterior motive
Concealed purpose behind behavior
- hidden agendaUndisclosed true purpose
- biasUnfair inclination or prejudice
- self-interestConcern for personal advantage
partisanship · lobbying · advocacy · scheming · manipulation · vested interest · angle · game plan · machination · calculation
axes to grindobjectivity
Freedom from personal bias
impartiality · disinterestedness · neutrality · open-mindedness · fair-mindedness
axes to grindequanimity
Unshakable mental steadiness
forgiveness · letting go · peace of mind · moving on · acceptance
axes, axed, axing, grind, grinds, ground, grinding, grinder, grinders