Understanding and applying idiomatic expressions can significantly contribute to your score in the IELTS examination, particularly in the speaking and writing sections. One such idiom is “Have an axe to grind.” This idiom is less common but can be quite impactful if used appropriately. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning, usage, and examples of this idiom, as well as related vocabulary to strengthen your language skills further.
Definition of “Have an Axe to Grind”
“Have an axe to grind” is an idiomatic expression which means having a personal motive or a hidden agenda. This can be negative, such as seeking revenge or turning a situation to one’s benefit.
Pronunciation
/hæv ən æks tuː ɡraɪnd/
Part of Speech
Verb phrase
Synonyms and Related Vocabulary:
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To have a hidden agenda: to have a secret reason for doing something.
- He seems helpful, but I believe he has a hidden agenda.
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To seek vengeance: to seek revenge.
- She attended the meeting only to seek vengeance.
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To have ulterior motives: to have secret reasons.
- Her kindness towards him had ulterior motives.
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To bear a grudge: to hold resentment.
- He still bears a grudge against his former boss.
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To have a bone to pick: to have a reason to quarrel.
- She has a bone to pick with her neighbor about the noise.
Example Sentences:
- He is always criticizing his manager because he has an axe to grind.
- The politician’s stance on the issue makes it clear he has an axe to grind.
- Anna supported the policy not out of conviction, but because she had an axe to grind.
Explanation of axe to grind
Popularity and Use in IELTS
The idiom “Have an axe to grind” is not extremely common but shows a higher level of language proficiency and understanding of nuanced English expressions. Utilizing such idioms could enhance the quality of your speaking and writing in the IELTS examination, signaling a strong command of the language.
In the speaking part of the IELTS, you might use this idiom to explain a personal story or opinion. In the writing part, it could be effectively employed in essays to demonstrate varied vocabulary and express complex motivations.
Example in IELTS Tasks
IELTS Speaking Task
Examiner Question: “Do you think honesty is always the best policy?”
Candidate Response: “While I generally believe in honesty, there are situations where people might not be fully transparent because they have an axe to grind. For instance, a company spokesperson might withhold certain information to protect the company’s interests.”
IELTS Writing Task 2
Prompt: “Some people believe that in business and politics, no one is truly honest. Discuss your opinion.”
Sample Answer:
“In the realms of business and politics, honesty is often seen as a rare commodity. Many individuals in these fields have axes to grind, pursuing their personal ambitions sometimes at the expense of truth and transparency. This ambition-driven behavior undermines public trust and skews decision-making processes.”
Combining “Have an Axe to Grind” with Other Words
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Personal: personal axe to grind.
- His opinions were biased because he had a personal axe to grind.
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Political: political axe to grind.
- The senator’s speech showed he had a political axe to grind.
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Hidden: hidden axe to grind.
- The journalist’s questions suggested she had a hidden axe to grind.
Related Idioms and Expressions
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To carry a torch for someone: to have unrequited love.
- Even after all these years, he still carries a torch for her.
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To be in someone’s good books: to be in favor with someone.
- After helping her with the project, he’s in her good books.
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To sell someone down the river: to betray someone.
- He sold his friends down the river for his personal gain.
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To get the axe: to be dismissed from a job.
- After the merger, many employees got the axe.
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To have a chip on one’s shoulder: to be resentful about something.
- Ever since losing the promotion, he has had a chip on his shoulder.
Conclusion
Incorporating idioms like “Have an axe to grind” into your IELTS responses can significantly enhance your performance. This idiom conveys complex motivations and can demonstrate your depth of understanding in English. Practice using it in different contexts to ensure you can recall and apply it naturally during your IELTS exam. Always remember, using idioms appropriately can make your speech and writing more engaging and sophisticated.
By preparing effectively and utilizing advanced vocabulary, you’ll be better equipped to achieve a high score on the IELTS exam. Good luck!
For additional reading and practice material, check out this page for more examples and exercises.
