He has a hidden agenda.

Have you guys heard this expression before? It sounds somewhat formal so it might be used in business but could also be used among friends or acquaintances (知り合い).

agenda

This word is used in French for your schedule book, this word is used in English to mean a list of things to do or consider. It's often used in British English as well as Business English.

Boss: What's on the agenda today?

Secretary: We have a meeting at 11 & then a factory tour at 2:30.

So the term hidden agenda means that someone has a hidden goal or a secret plan.

I don't trust him, why's he suddenly being nice to me? I think he has a hidden agenda.

My company was bought by an international giant but they had a hidden agenda. They only wanted our software division, now the rest of us are getting fired!

Remember, this is a NEGATIVE expression used when you want to say that a 3rd party has a hidden motive or evil plan. What they say they want is not what they REALLY want.

Have a good week,

Phil