behind the scenes

[ bih-hahyndthuh-seenz ]
See synonyms for behind the scenes on Thesaurus.com
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.

Origin of behind the scenes

1
First recorded in 1660–70

Other definitions for behind-the-scenes (2 of 2)

behind-the-scenes
[ 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.

  1. occurring backstage: I could hear the behind-the-scenes activities of the stage crew.

Origin of behind-the-scenes

2
First recorded in 1835–45

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use behind the scenes in a sentence

Other Idioms and Phrases with behind the scenes

behind the scenes

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.

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.