have an axe to grind

Have a personal agenda or grudge behind your actions.

"He always voted against the proposal — everyone knew he had an axe to grind."

Hear it in context

The Atlantic: FBI Director Kash Patel distributes personalized whiskey bottles to staff, civilians

MS NOW · 4:40

Well, he may have an axe to grind, but that doesn't mean it's unfair.

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