Phrase guide

ax to grind

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A proposition or point of view to advocate, especially motivated by self-interest.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A grudge or grievance, with implications of confrontation.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

A reference to someone sharpening an axe with the intent to kill someone.

Across languages

Translations

9 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: een appeltje te schillen — proposition or point of view
  • Finnish: intressi — proposition or point of view
  • French: intention cachée — proposition or point of view
  • French: intentions cachées — proposition or point of view
  • Irish: tochrais ar do cheirtlín féin — proposition or point of view
  • Italian: interesse personale — proposition or point of view
  • Italian: carta da giocare — proposition or point of view
  • Italian: rimprovero — proposition or point of view
  • Polish: interes — proposition or point of view