Synonyms

behind the scenes

¹ American

[bih-hahynd thuh seenz] / bɪˈhaɪnd ðə ˈsinz /

idiom

in secret or in private.

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

[bih-hahynd-thuh-seenz] / bɪˈhaɪnd ðəˈsinz /

adjective

happening or conducted out of view of the general public.

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

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

behind the scenes More Idioms

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.

Etymology

Origin of behind the scenes¹

First recorded in 1660–70

Origin of behind-the-scenes²

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But AllHere already was falling apart behind the scenes.

From Los Angeles Times

Behind the scenes, Moreno formulated her own Spanish-language takes on jazz, which listeners can hear in the 2006 funky, spy-like chromatic track “Escondidos” — which includes a kazoo solo in its outro.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’d had this idea already: ‘What about if we built a film studio, and then you could do a backstage tour, and you’re seeing behind the scenes of the making of all of these music videos?’ ” he continued.

From Los Angeles Times

But behind the scenes the company was collapsing and ultimately declared bankruptcy.

From Los Angeles Times

And the company already was collapsing behind the scenes, its technology quickly being surpassed by companies better resourced to refine and advance their products.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023