axe to grind

phrase

: an ulterior often selfish underlying purpose
claims that he has no axe to grind in criticizing the proposed law

Browse Nearby Words

axes of coordinates
axe to grind
ax-grinder
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Cite this Entry

“Axe to grind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/axe%20to%20grind. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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