How to Pronounce "have an ax to grind"
expression
HAV an AKS to GRYND
hav UN aks to GRYND
Definition
To have a personal reason, often hidden, for doing or saying something; to secretly want to benefit yourself.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈhæv/ /ˈæn/, /ən/ /ˈæks/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈɡɹaɪnd
British English
hæv/ /ˈɐn/ /æks/ /tˈuː/ /ɡɹˈaɪnd
Simplified Pronunciation
US
HAV an AKS to GRYND
UK
hav UN aks to GRYND
Listen in Context
He always seems to have an ax to grind when he talks about his coworkers.
Do you have an ax to grind with the manager?
She didn't realize Kim had an ax to grind when she offered advice.
I think John has an ax to grind with the new policy changes.