axe to grind 

To have a grievance with someone, especially where one feels the need to seek damaging retribution.

The phrase probably originates from the act of sharpening an axe with a grinding wheel, with the intent (in this definition) to get revenge on someone by maiming or killing them. ;)

"Five years ago that guy stole my idea for an invention and made tons of money off it! I've had an axe to grind with him ever since. My latest invention will put him out of business for sure, you'll see! Muwahahahaha!!"

axe to grind by Humpty March 6, 2007

axe to grind 

To have an ulterior motive, especially hidden behind a friendly demeanor. From a story attributed to Ben Franklin and later Charles Miner, in which a friendly stranger asks a youth for the use of a grindstone to sharpen his axe, but tricks the youth into doing all of the work.

"When I see a merchant over-polite to his customers ... thinks I, that man has an axe to grind."

axe to grind by Elemenopy Queuarestes June 10, 2018

axe to grind 

To have a grievance with someone, especially where one feels the need to seek damaging retribution.

The phrase probably originates from the act of sharpening an axe with a grinding wheel, with the intent (in this definition) to get revenge on someone by maiming or killing them. ;)

"Five years ago that guy stole my idea for an invention and made tons of money off it! I've had an axe to grind with him ever since. My latest invention will put him out of business for sure, you'll see! Muwahahahaha!!"

axe to grind by Humpty December 9, 2008