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

Unlike in Western markets—where AI in retail has largely stayed behind the scenes in analytics and operations—Chinese platforms are increasingly putting AI directly in front of consumers.

From Barron's

Behind the scenes, though, frustration from the league was so high that the NFL secretly fined the Seahawks $5 million for being out of compliance with ownership requirements.

From The Wall Street Journal

In terms of where this story might end up, it is clear from this latest batch of emails how much the US authorities had been trying behind the scenes to get Andrew to give evidence about Epstein.

From BBC

But behind the scenes all was not well.

From BBC

At a showing in Washington, where a major winter storm has snarled transit, Savannah Harrison told AFP she had purchased her ticket because she "was just very intrigued to see the behind the scenes."

From Barron's