have a vested interest

Meaning

To have a strong personal reason to want something to happen, often because you can gain from it.

Examples

1. The owner has a vested interest in keeping prices high. US UK
2. Teachers have a vested interest in their students’ success. US UK
3. Be careful with advice from people who have a vested interest. US UK

How to use it

Use have a vested interest in + noun. It often suggests that someone is not neutral, but it can also be neutral: parents have a vested interest in good schools.

Common mistake

Not: He has a vested interest to the company.
Say: He has a vested interest in the company. (Use in.)