What does “Axe to grind” mean?
"An axe to grind" means having a personal motive or agenda.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He always seems to have an axe to grind whenever he talks about politics.
Example
I think she has an axe to grind with her coworker because of their past disagreements.
Example
The journalist had an axe to grind and was determined to expose the truth
Is “Axe to grind” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Axe to grind” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Axe to grind” effectively in context?
You can use "Axe to Grind" to describe someone who has a personal motive or agenda behind their actions or words. It implies that their opinions or criticisms may be biased or influenced by their own interests. For example, if someone is constantly criticizing a particular company, you might say, 'He always seems to have an axe to grind whenever he talks about that company.'
- 1Politics
During the debate, it was clear that the candidate had an axe to grind with his opponent, as he continuously attacked him on a personal level.
- 2Workplace
I think she has an axe to grind with her coworker because of their past disagreements. She always finds ways to undermine his work.
- 3Investigative Journalism
The journalist had an axe to grind and was determined to expose the truth, even if it meant going against popular opinion.
Similar phrases to “Axe to grind”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Axe to grind” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Axe to Grind" is believed to come from the practice of sharpening an axe. When someone had an axe to grind, it meant they had a personal motive or agenda, just like someone who would need to sharpen their axe before using it.
Is “Axe to grind” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Axe to Grind" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone who has a personal motive or agenda behind their actions or words.
What tone does “Axe to grind” have?
"Axe to Grind" conveys a tone of suspicion or skepticism. It suggests that the person in question may not have pure intentions and may be driven by personal interests rather than objective reasoning.
Can “Axe to grind” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Axe to Grind" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of someone having a personal motive or agenda. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He always seems to have an axe to grind whenever he talks about politics.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He definitely has an "axe to grind"!' to imply suspicion or skepticism.
