The phrase 'axe to grind' is an idiom that means to have a personal agenda or grievance. The crossword solutions for this phrase are BEEF (4 letters), GNASH (5 letters), FIRE (4 letters), HEW (3 letters), HEWED (5 letters), and OBSESSION (9 letters). BEEF is a term for a complaint or disagreement, while gnashing is the act of grinding one's teeth in anger. FIRE is a symbol of passion and intensity, while HEW and HEWED refer to the act of cutting something with an axe. Lastly, OBSESSION implies a strong fixation on a particular idea or goal. Together, these words paint a picture of someone who has a passionate and intense grievance that they are determined to pursue.