ulterior motive

American  

[uhl-teer-ee-er moh-tiv] / ʌlˈtɪər i ər ˈmoʊ tɪv /

noun

1. a secret reason for doing something; a purpose, often the main purpose, that is kept hidden.

   When his enemy the Sheriff of Nottingham calls for an archery contest, Robin Hood suspects an ulterior motive, namely, to flush Robin out of hiding.

   It turns out she had an ulterior motive for being so friendly and helpful—she was a con artist hoping to sign me up.

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Etymology

Origin of ulterior motive

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

A new trailer teased sparks flying between Liberty Savage and Tinhead, but he may not be all he appears as it is revealed he has an ulterior motive.

From BBC

Federline denies having an ulterior motive beyond wanting to finally share his side of this infamous saga.

From BBC

Perhaps she has an ulterior motive; so many of these characters do.

From Los Angeles Times

But there’s an ulterior motive at play, according to Bruce.

From Los Angeles Times

In response, Kenya's foreign ministry said there was "no ulterior motive" in "providing non-partisan platforms to conflict parties".

From BBC

Related Words

• ambition
• aspiration
• desire
• determination
• direction
• function
• goal
• idea
• intent
• objective
• plan
• principle
• project
• reason
• scheme
• scope
• view
• wish