How do you say “An axe to grind” in Spanish?
The closest natural Spanish equivalent is tener un interés personal, which literally means “to have a personal interest”. English speakers use an axe to grind to mean a personal interest or grievance that influences someone's views or actions. Fits a personal stake, without implying a desire for revenge. Register: neutral. Usage frequency: common.
Closest natural Spanish
tener un interés personal
/teˈneɾ un inteˈɾes peɾsoˈnal/
- Literal meaning
- “to have a personal interest”
- Register
- neutral
- How often it's used
- common
- Equivalence
Close equivalent
88 out of 100
What a native Spanish speaker would actually say
This wording is useful when a recommendation may benefit the person making it. Add the issue or decision if the interest is not already clear.
For a grudge, “tener cuentas pendientes con alguien” is more specific. Do not use that version if the person merely stands to gain something.
How close is the meaning?
- Meaning4 out of 5
- Tone4 out of 5
- Context5 out of 5
- Literal similarity1 out of 5
These ratings are editorial approximations, not measurements.
What are other ways to say it in Spanish?
tener cuentas pendientes con alguien
Literally: “to have unsettled accounts with someone”
A fit for unresolved grievances, not every personal agenda.
In context
English
He has an axe to grind in this debate: he owns the land.
Spanish
Tiene un interés personal en este debate: es el dueño del terreno.
English
She has an axe to grind with her former boss after he took credit for her work.
Spanish
Tiene cuentas pendientes con su antiguo jefe, que se atribuyó el mérito de su trabajo.
Related expressions
Last updated 2026-09-19