Axe to grind

Meaning

The idiom "axe to grind" means that someone has a personal vendetta or grudge against someone or something. It implies that the person is motivated by a strong feeling of hostility or resentment and is seeking revenge or justice.

Usage

• John has an axe to grind with his former boss, who he believes unfairly terminated him from his job.
• Sarah felt like she had an axe to grind when her coworker stole her idea and presented it as their own at the meeting.
• The politician had an axe to grind against the opposing party, attacking them on every possible issue.
• After years of being mistreated by his family, Michael finally found an opportunity to grind his own axe and start a new life.
• The activist had an axe to grind against the government, organizing peaceful protests to bring attention to social injustice.

Roots and History

The idiom "axe to grind" originated from medieval times when people would use axes to grind down bones and teeth for medicinal purposes. This practice was often associated with witchcraft and sorcery, as it was believed that the grinding of human bones could bring good luck or ward off evil spirits. Over time, the phrase became used metaphorically to describe someone who had a personal vendetta or grudge against someone or something. The idiom gained popularity during the medieval period when people believed in the power of witchcraft and sorcery, but it has since become a common expression in contemporary language.

Synonyms in English

• Grievance to bear
• Bone to pick
• Score to settle
• A chip on one's shoulder
• A bone in one's throat

Synonyms in other languages

• Chip on one's shoulder (French, German, Russian)
• Grievance to bear (French, Spanish)
• Bone to pick (German, Italian)
• Score to settle (Spanish, Portuguese)
• A bone in one's throat (French, German)

Similar Idioms

• against the clock

• at sea

• at bottom