axe to grind

phrase

: an ulterior often selfish underlying purpose

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

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of axe to grind was in 1810

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Style

“Axe to grind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/axe%20to%20grind. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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axe to grind

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