Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

ax to grind

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 3.24 in modern English

Syllables: ax -to -grind
IPA

18

Scrabble Score

9

Letters

3

Syllables

9

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

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

American usage

noun

A grudge or grievance, with implications of confrontation.

American usage

Example Sentences

"“See,” Koteks said, “if you can get them to drop their clause on patents. That, lady, is my ax to grind.”"
"The design has had a rather contentious journey through the various technical committees set up by the EEC to study the problem; individual member nations with particular axes to grind holding up the proceedings at regular intervals."
"If one is not just writing history but also trying to condemn and “demolish” one’s enemy, as Neumann is, you need a deeper level of introspection, and a high standard of proof. If not, it’s better to let “silence be a fence for wisdom.” (Pirkei Avot 3:13) It’s not possible to maintain the curiosity and openness you need for real research if you have such a big ax to grind."

Etymology

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

Usage

American usage

Inflected Forms

axes to grind (plural) axe to grind (alternative)

Phrases

have an ax to grind bone to pick

Frequently Paired Words

bone to pick

Questions

What does ax to grind mean?: A proposition or point of view to advocate, especially motivated by self-interest.
Where does ax to grind come from?: A reference to someone sharpening an axe with the intent to kill someone.

How to pronounce ax to grind

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