have an ax to grind

Cultural  

1. To have a selfish motive or personal stake in a matter: “When the lobbyist approached the senators, they suspected he had an ax to grind.”

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Example Sentences

I don’t have an ax to grind anymore.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2024

“I don’t have an ax to grind in this. I just feel like this is a story that could be told and should be told.”

From Washington Post • Jun. 8, 2020

“It’s a disappointment, frankly, that he’s acting that way. I haven’t endorsed anybody. I don’t have an ax to grind in terms of that,” Cheney said.

From MSNBC • Feb. 16, 2016

He didn’t have an ax to grind with anyone, his sister Mary said recently.

From Washington Times • Oct. 10, 2015

Then I have considered that perhaps her visits to Kato may be merely to get information—that she may have an ax to grind.

From The Treasure-Train by Reeve, Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin)