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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of behind the scenes¹

First recorded in 1660–70

Origin of behind-the-scenes²

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Instead, they’ve made it easier to stop paying attention to what’s happening behind the scenes.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

Comments that RM made in December live stream could hint at some troubles behind the scenes at Hybe.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

She also takes readers behind the scenes of her approach to the craft, showing off her preferred tools and providing step-by-step photos of the process.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

To make a podcast successful, Tolly says it's "not just about what happens on the episode but how you work together behind the scenes".

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

At least for the moment, it was also important that this aid remain behind the scenes.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson