What is the literal meaning of have an axe to grind?
an ulterior motive
To have an ax to grind means to have an ulterior motive, to have a private reason for doing something or saying something. Someone who has an ax to grind has a hidden agenda. The term have an ax to grind was coined by Charles Miner in his essay Who’ll turn Grindstone?
Can’t cut the mustard meaning?
(also can’t cut the mustard) to not be able to deal with problems or difficulties in a satisfactory way: If he can’t cut it, then we’ll get someone else to do the job.
What does play the second fiddle mean?
Definition of second fiddle : one that plays a supporting or subservient role.
Why do we say 40 winks?
As a blink lasts for a fraction of a second, forty winks take a few seconds. Hence the phrase ”forty winks” has come to mean a few moments of sleep, or a very short nap, especially taken during the daytime, while not in a sleeping position.
What is the meaning of axe to grind?
axe to grind 1 Meaning 2 Example Sentences. He should not become the chairman of the committee as he has too many axes of his own to grind. 3 Origin. The phrase is used with the meaning “having ulterior motive” in America and “having a dispute to take or point of view to express” in Britain.
What is the origin of the phrase sharpening of an axe?
The phrase, in its having private ends to serve meaning, is commonly attributed to Benjamin Franklin. Other opinions point to another author who, like Franklin, lived in Pennsylvania, USA – Charles Miner. It is difficult to trace the origin, as both men wrote and printed cautionary metaphorical tales concerning the sharpening of axes.
What is the correct way to spell axe?
The spelling more commonly used in America is ax and, in Britain, axe, although in neither nation is there consistency. The phrase, in its having private ends to serve meaning, is commonly attributed to Benjamin Franklin. Other opinions point to another author who, like Franklin, lived in Pennsylvania, USA – Charles Miner.
What does it mean to get revenge with an axe?
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.