behind the scenes

¹

[ bih-hahynd thuh seenz ]

idiom

1. in secret or in private:

   Unbeknownst to most people, the group manipulated the survey results from behind the scenes.

2. in a part of a show, production, organization, etc., that is not visible to the public; backstage:

   Have you ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes at a rock concert?

   Join us as we take you behind the scenes of our photo shoot and discuss some of the products used.

behind-the-scenes

²

[ bih-hahynd-thuh-seenz ]

adjective

1. happening or conducted out of view of the general public:

   The behind-the-scenes preparations made the convention a huge success.

2. held or kept privately by or among a few key or influential people:

   There are rumors of behind-the-scenes negotiations taking place that may change international laws on nuclear power.

3. occurring backstage:

   I could hear the behind-the-scenes activities of the stage crew.

Word History and Origins

Origin of behind the scenes¹

First recorded in 1660–70

Origin of behind the scenes²

First recorded in 1835–45

Idioms and Phrases

In secret or private, away from public view, as in His struggle for the top position took place strictly behind the scenes . This term alludes to the various activities that go on behind the curtain in theaters, out of the audience's view. [Late 1700s] Also see behind closed doors .

Example Sentences

Behind the scenes, life was anything but easy.

From Salon

"We wanted to create products that had a bit more personality than the ones you would see behind the scenes," she said.

From BBC

“Like you might not even want to act anymore. You might want to do something more behind the scenes. But I’m so proud. I’m the first person in my family to actually make something like this.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Behind the scenes you can definitely make a call and say, ‘Hey, would there be interest?’

From Los Angeles Times

There are so many moving parts behind the scenes, especially with independent film.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• confidential
• exclusive
• independent
• individual
• secret
• separate
• special