hidden agenda
nounUK /ˌhɪd.ən əˈdʒen.də/
US /ˌhɪd.ən əˈdʒen.də/
A secret plan that someone keeps hidden from others.
The teacher suspected a hidden agenda when the students suddenly offered to clean the classroom.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A private reason for doing something that is not the reason you tell people.
He said he just wanted to help, but I think there was a hidden agenda.
3. A secret list of things a group wants to achieve without telling anyone.
The club was accused of having a hidden agenda to change the school rules.
4. An unspoken goal behind a public action or statement.
The meeting seemed friendly, but everyone wondered about the hidden agenda.