A hidden agenda Meaning in English
expression · lemma: hidden agenda
ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈhɪdən/ /əˈdʒɛndə
uh HID-un uh-JEN-duh
æɪ/ /hˈɪdən/ /ɐdʒˈɛndɐ
uh HID-un uh-JEN-duh
Definition
A secret plan or motivation behind someone’s actions, usually different from what they say openly.
Usage & Nuances
Used in both formal and informal settings, often to express suspicion of ulterior motives. Common with 'have', 'suspect', and 'there is/was'. Implies lack of transparency or honesty.
Spanish: una agenda oculta - un motivo ocultoPortuguese (BR): uma intenção oculta - uma agenda escondidaPortuguese (PT): uma intenção oculta - uma agenda escondidaChinese (Simplified): 隐藏的目的 - 暗中动机Chinese (Traditional): 隱藏的目的 - 暗中動機Hindi: गुप्त उद्देश्य - छुपा एजेंडाArabic: دافع خفي - أجندة خفيةBengali: গোপন উদ্দেশ্য - লুকানো পরিকল্পনাRussian: скрытые мотивы - скрытая повесткаJapanese: 裏の意図 - 隠された狙いVietnamese: động cơ ẩn giấu - ý đồ ẩnKorean: 숨은 의도 - 숨겨진 목적Turkish: gizli amaç - gizli gündemUrdu: چھپا ہوا مقصد - خفیہ ایجنڈاIndonesian: agenda tersembunyi - motif tersembunyi
Example Sentences
She thinks her boss has a hidden agenda.
basic
Do you think he has a hidden agenda?
basic
Politicians are often accused of having a hidden agenda.
basic
I can’t help but feel there’s a hidden agenda behind his kindness.
natural
Be careful—sometimes offers that sound great come with a hidden agenda.
natural
It seemed like a friendly meeting, but later I realized there was a hidden agenda at play.
natural