behind closed doors

Idioms  

1. In secret, privately. For example, The nominating committee always meets behind closed doors, lest its deliberations become known prematurely. Also see behind the scenes.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

behind closed doors

The justices hear arguments behind closed doors with limited public access, with no video or live audio.

From Slate ● Jul. 15, 2026

The plan has faced backlash from some community members frustrated about a deal they feel was hashed out behind closed doors.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 13, 2026

“This is the tip of the iceberg. Apple lacks visibility into what’s been happening behind closed doors at OpenAI, where such misconduct is normalized and exemplified by leadership,” according to the lawsuit.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 10, 2026

Machado’s attempts to return highlight the mixed messages from the U.S. being delivered behind closed doors, in what multiple people described as a “good cop, bad cop” dynamic.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 2, 2026

What he was behind closed doors was something else.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin