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The English We Speak.

From the BBC. Hello and joining me is Faye Faye

Hi y'all.

Faye, can you explain to our listeners why I'm sharpening an axe in the studio?

Yes, I can.

Because in this program, we've got an expression for you which contains the word

X. It can have three different meanings. One, to have an opinion you want other

people to accept.

Two, to be angry or upset about something.

And three, to have a hidden plan.

The expression is, two, have an axe to grind.

If you can imagine in the past, if someone did something bad to you, you might want to get revenge and hurt the person.

So you might need a sharp weapon like an axe.

That's horrible. In modern use, you can say that someone has an axe to grind, but it doesn't mean they're going to attack you with an axe.

Let's hear some examples of the different meanings of this expression.

Oh no, here comes Roger.

He's got an axe to grind about smoking,

so you better put that cigarette out

or he'll be talking to you for hours about your health.

Don't suggest getting dinner from yummy chicken.

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