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• behind the scenes
  behind the scenes

  idiom

  in secret or in private.
• behind-the-scenes
  behind-the-scenes

  adjective

  happening or conducted out of view of the general public.

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

But the series also goes behind the scenes to explore how an informal gathering grew into a big-budget, heavily regulated event.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 7, 2026

In reality, Windrose was struggling to secure orders in Europe, ex-employees say, while problems behind the scenes were only growing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 6, 2026

Known for his indefatigable bonhomie and upbeat mood, Rutte remains much appreciated behind the scenes at NATO.

From Barron's • Jul. 6, 2026

Sources close to the England camp told BBC Sport that lengthy discussions between all parties were continuing behind the scenes in an attempt to persuade Fifa not to amend the fixture.

From BBC • Jul. 4, 2026

NCC president Alfonso Elder labored behind the scenes to aid students participating in the sit-ins.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson