behind the scenes

¹ American  

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

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.

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behind-the-scenes ² American  

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

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.

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behind the scenes More Idioms  

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of behind the scenes¹

First recorded in 1660–70

Origin of behind-the-scenes²

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

That is reflected behind the scenes among the hierarchy, with Champions League qualification again the priority.

From BBC

Well, you know, this can be behind the scenes as well — producers and drama in writing and ideas and back-end conversations.

From Los Angeles Times

To celebrate the ending of the show’s first season, Bilt invited members of its “Close Friends” group, made up of Bilt users who get access to behind the scenes content and exclusive experiences, to come watch all of Season 1 at a New York theater earlier this month.

From Los Angeles Times

“There’s a lot more work that goes on behind the scenes which these people don’t consider when they ask for assistance,” said the 29-year-old living in London, Ontario.

From The Wall Street Journal

Behind the scenes, Bass opted not to select a single person to replace Soboroff, going instead with a trio of consultants.

From Los Angeles Times