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.
### Which of these is an example of an ulterior motive?
- [x] Offering to help a colleague only in hope of getting a promotion.
- [ ] Genuinely volunteering at a shelter.
- [ ] Donating anonymously to charity.
- [ ] Baking a cake for a friend's birthday.
> **Explanation:** Offering to help a colleague only in hope of getting a promotion is a hidden purpose, hence an ulterior motive. The other options are genuine actions without a secret agenda.
### True or False: 'Hidden agenda' is synonymous with 'ulterior motive.'
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True. Both phrases mean having a secret purpose or plan that's not immediately noticeable.
### Complete the phrase: To have an ulterior ____.
- [ ] dog
- [ ] wing
- [ ] house
- [x] motive
> **Explanation:** The correct term is "ulterior motive," meaning a hidden or secret reason behind an action.
### Which proverb fits 'ulterior motive'?
- [ ] Honesty is the best policy.
- [x] Actions speak louder than words.
- [ ] All that glitters is not gold.
- [ ] A picture is worth a thousand words.
> **Explanation:** "Actions speak louder than words" fits as it hints that what's shown or said may differ from the true intent behind the actions.
### Fill in the blank: ___ and dagger situations are filled with mystery and intrigue.
- [ ] Spoon
- [ ] Hat
- [ ] Book
- [x] Cloak
> **Explanation:** The term "cloak and dagger" refers to scenarios overflowing with secrecy, intrigues, and hidden motives.
### Which phrase is genuine?
- [x] Cloak and dagger
- [ ] Feather and ink
- [ ] Stone and slate
- [ ] Sky and rain
> **Explanation:** "Cloak and dagger" is a legitimate phrase that conjures ideas of undercover actions and secretive intentions, aligning well with the notion of ulterior motives.
