What does have an axe to grind mean?

Definitions for have an axe to grind
have an axe to grind

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word have an axe to grind.

Wiktionary

  1. have an axe to grindverb

    To have a dispute, resentment, or grudge, sometimes with a disposition to act on that resentment covertly; to have a bias; to take issue with something.

  2. Etymology: Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable presents a definition at variance with the current understanding of the phrase ("Some selfish motive in the background; some personal interest to answer"). It asserts that the phrase originates with Benjamin Franklin: "Franklin tells of a man who wanted to grind his axe, but had no time to turn the grindstone. Going to the yard where he saw young Franklin, he asked the boy to show him how the machine worked, kept praising him till his axe was ground, and then laughed at him for his pains."

How to pronounce have an axe to grind?

How to say have an axe to grind in sign language?

Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of have an axe to grind in Chaldean Numerology is: 6

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of have an axe to grind in Pythagorean Numerology is: 6

Translation

Find a translation for the have an axe to grind definition in other languages:

Select another language:

  • - Select -
  • 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified)
  • 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional)
  • Español (Spanish)
  • Esperanto (Esperanto)
  • 日本語 (Japanese)
  • Português (Portuguese)
  • Deutsch (German)
  • العربية (Arabic)
  • Français (French)
  • Русский (Russian)
  • ಕನ್ನಡ (Kannada)
  • 한국어 (Korean)
  • עברית (Hebrew)
  • Gaeilge (Irish)
  • Українська (Ukrainian)
  • اردو (Urdu)
  • Magyar (Hungarian)
  • मानक हिन्दी (Hindi)
  • Indonesia (Indonesian)
  • Italiano (Italian)
  • தமிழ் (Tamil)
  • Türkçe (Turkish)
  • తెలుగు (Telugu)
  • ภาษาไทย (Thai)
  • Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
  • Čeština (Czech)
  • Polski (Polish)
  • Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)
  • Românește (Romanian)
  • Nederlands (Dutch)
  • Ελληνικά (Greek)
  • Latinum (Latin)
  • Svenska (Swedish)
  • Dansk (Danish)
  • Suomi (Finnish)
  • فارسی (Persian)
  • ייִדיש (Yiddish)
  • հայերեն (Armenian)
  • Norsk (Norwegian)
  • English (English)

Word of the Day

Would you like us to send you a FREE new word definition delivered to your inbox daily?

Please enter your email address:


Citation

Use the citation below to add this definition to your bibliography:

Style:MLAChicagoAPA

"have an axe to grind." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Apr. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/have+an+axe+to+grind>.

Discuss these have an axe to grind definitions with the community:

0 Comments

    Are we missing a good definition for have an axe to grind? Don't keep it to yourself...

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant definitions for any word that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant definitions for any word that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Browse Definitions.net

    Quiz

    Are you a words master?

    »
    the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)
    A scrutiny
    B gauge
    C aspiration
    D model

    Nearby & related entries:

    Alternative searches for have an axe to grind: