Question

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom/phrase.
No axe to grind
a. A bad situation
b. To rebuke
c. To act selflessly
d. To confuse others

Answer 1

Hint: The given phrase is an idiom. Idioms do not give a literal meaning, but a confusing and figurative meaning.

Complete answer:
An idiom is a phrase that expresses a figurative and non-literal meaning to a context.
Example: ‘bite the bullet’ is an idiom that means to get done with something that cannot be avoided in any way.
The given idiom ‘no axe to grind’ refers to a selfless move or motive. It indicates a strong opinion on which someone completely enters to do a task.
Example: As an environmentalist, he has no other axe to grind.
- In option a we have ‘a bad situation’ which seemingly is not the right meaning to the given idiom.
Similarly, option b is also wrong with a different meaning.
> Option c gives us the right explanation. As mentioned, ‘no axe to grind’ indicates a selfless motive or action. We use this idiom to refer to someone who works relentlessly without thinking of his own benefits out of it.
- In option d, we are given a meaning that in no way has a relation with the mentioned phrase. Hence, we rule out this option too.

Note: Do not confuse idioms over phrasal verbs though both give non-literal meanings. Phrasal verbs are a combination of a main verb with a preposition or an adverb. Example: put on.