He has an ulterior motive 🚶‍♂️➡️🤔

Meaning

Someone has a secret reason for doing something that is different from the reason they have stated.

Origin

The term 'ulterior' itself comes from Latin, meaning 'further' or 'beyond'. So, an ulterior motive quite literally means a motive that lies 'beyond' the one you're showing. Think of it like peeling back an onion; you see the outer layers, but there's something deeper hidden within. This phrase painted a vivid picture for people, suggesting a hidden agenda, a secret plan lurking beneath the surface of an action or statement. It’s a concept as old as human interaction itself – the suspicion of hidden intentions, the doubt that what you see is all there is.

🔒 secrets 🎭🤥 deception ⚖️✅ honesty 🗣️ communication

He has an ulterior motive represented with emoji🚶‍♂️➡️🤔

This playful sequence of emojis invites us to consider the subtle art of hidden intentions. The lone figure, initially seeming to simply walk forward, is suddenly met with a thought bubble, suggesting a moment of contemplation or perhaps a shift in perspective. It playfully subverts the notion of a straightforward journey, hinting that appearances can be deceiving and that behind every action, there might be a deeper, unexpressed thought.

Examples

  • I don't trust his generous offer; he surely has an ulterior motive.
  • She agreed to help with the project, but I suspect she has an ulterior motive.
  • Why would the dragon suddenly want to bake cookies for the village? He definitely has an ulterior motive.
  • The squirrel's persistent attempts to befriend the grumpy badger couldn't be purely for companionship; he must have an ulterior motive.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'He has an ulterior motive' a formal or informal phrase?

While 'He has an ulterior motive' can be used in formal settings, it often carries a tone of suspicion or accusation, making it lean towards informal usage. The phrase implies a hidden, potentially negative, intention that isn't typically discussed in purely objective, formal discourse.

What's the opposite of having an ulterior motive?

The opposite of having an ulterior motive would be acting with complete transparency or having a transparent motive. This means that the reasons for an action are openly stated and genuine, with no hidden agenda whatsoever.

Can someone have an ulterior motive that is actually good?

Yes, an ulterior motive can technically be good, though the phrase often implies suspicion. For example, someone might offer a gift with the hidden intention of building a stronger relationship, which is a positive outcome.

When did the concept of 'He has an ulterior motive' first appear in English?

The concept of having hidden intentions is ancient, but the phrase 'ulterior motive' gained prominence in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The term 'ulterior' itself has Latin roots meaning 'further' or 'beyond', suggesting a motive that lies beyond the obvious one.

Similar to "He has an ulterior motive"

He's playing 4D chess
Both describe someone with a hidden agenda, but '4D chess' adds a layer of brilliant, almost unfathomable complexity and foresight, suggesting their true goals are far more intricate than just a simple hidden motive
There's more to this than meets the eye
Both suggest a hidden layer of reality, but 'more to this' is a more generalized observation of mystery, whereas 'ulterior motive' specifically points to a person's concealed intentions
What's his angle?
Both probe for a hidden reason, but 'what's his angle?' is a more direct, almost cynical question about personal gain or a specific manipulative tactic, while 'ulterior motive' is a more formal declaration of suspicion

Opposite of "He has an ulterior motive"

He wears his heart on his sleeve
This phrase argues for complete transparency, directly countering the secrecy of an ulterior motive by celebrating open and honest emotional expression
She's acting with pure intentions
This champions the very virtue that an ulterior motive denies, asserting that actions are driven by genuine, unselfish good will rather than concealed self-interest

Related to "He has an ulterior motive"

He has a hidden agenda
This phrase echoes the core idea of undisclosed plans, sharing the suspecting tone of 'ulterior motive' but often implying a wider, more systemic or political objective
Don't count your chickens before they hatch
This proverb warns against premature celebration, often invoked when someone suspects another's enthusiastic cooperation might be masking an ulterior motive that could derail plans
There's something fishy going on
This idiomatic expression captures the general feeling of unease and suspicion that often precedes the specific accusation of an ulterior motive
He's pulling the strings
This phrase suggests a manipulative control behind the scenes, a common consequence or method when someone is acting with an ulterior motive