axe to grind

phrase

: an ulterior often selfish underlying purpose

claims that he has no axe to grind in criticizing the proposed law

Examples of axe to grind in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But what makes the seven-part series a cut above derives from the on-target performances, especially Annette Bening as Priscilla, Cary’s cunning, grifter momma bear who has an axe to grind with Lucky and Lucky’s dad, also a con artist. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 July 2026

Sorry, Baby’s Eva Victor plays Nadia, a cellist whom Alex romances while on a job in Dallas, while Olivia Wilde is Carol, Alex’s leopard-print-wearing ex with an axe to grind. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for axe to grind

• aligned
• alined
• assigned
• behind
• combined
• confined
• consigned
• crosswind
• declined
• defined
• designed
• divined