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 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

Angelina Jolie, an Oscar winner with a long track record appearing before the camera and working behind the scenes on movies, is back in the awards season conversation for her performance as Maria Callas in Pablo Larrain’s Netflix biopic about the Greek opera singer.

From Los Angeles Times

A bad run of form, doubt over some senior players' futures, changes behind the scenes and facing the Premier League's 115 charges for alleged breaches of financial rules, mean Guardiola and Manchester City have a huge few months ahead.

From BBC

Richard Baker KC, representing some of the babies’ families asked the consultant: “You had a sense that there might be some deals going on behind the scenes, some element perhaps of corrupt behaviour?”

From BBC

Related Words

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