Definition:§
- Ulterior Motive: A hidden purpose, a secret reason for saying or doing something. The adjective “ulterior” originally meant “beyond” or “more distant,” stemming from the Latin. By the mid-1600s, it was used to mean “beyond what is said or evident.” Its fusion with “motive” is a more recent linguistic pairing but no less intriguing.
Synonyms:§
- Hidden agenda
- Secret intention
- Concealed purpose
Antonyms:§
- Honest intention
- Transparent motive
- Open purpose
Humor-filled Quote:§
“Motive is like underwear: always best kept covered, except in special circumstances.” - Spy IntheShadows
Proverbs:§
- “Actions speak louder than words.”
- “Never judge a book by its cover.”
Similar Expressions:§
- Cloak and Dagger: Involving or characteristic of mystery, intrigue, or espionage.
- Hidden Agenda: A secret motive or intention behind someone’s apparent actions.
- Under the Table: Done secretly and often illicitly.
References:§
- Books:
- Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carré
- Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
- Movies:
- Get Out (2017)
- The Usual Suspects (1995)
- Songs:
- “Suspicious Minds” by Elvis Presley
- “Complicated” by Avril Lavigne
- Poetry:
- “The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost (hidden opportunities)
- “We Wear the Mask” by Paul Laurence Dunbar
Inspirational Farewell:§
In the grand theater of life, remember: while some act upon the hidden stage of ulterior motives, the truest scenes play behind honest intentions.
