-
behind the scenes
behind the scenesidiomin secret or in private.
-
behind-the-scenes
behind the scenes
1 Americanidiom
-
in secret or in private.
Unbeknownst to most people, the group manipulated the survey results from behind the scenes.
-
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.
adjective
-
happening or conducted out of view of the general public.
The behind-the-scenes preparations made the convention a huge success.
-
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.
-
occurring backstage.
I could hear the behind-the-scenes activities of the stage crew.
Etymology
Origin of behind the scenes1
First recorded in 1660–70
Origin of behind-the-scenes2
First recorded in 1835–45
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Behind the scenes, there are orderlies, administrative staff and dedicated doctors doing their best to save lives.
From MarketWatch • May 1, 2026
Behind the scenes on the set of “The Other Bennet Sister,” where Bruccoleri is performing the famous scene as Mary singing and playing the piano poorly.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026
Behind the scenes, there is a site map to help AI bots find their way around the website.
From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026
Behind the scenes, members of Australia’s Iranian diaspora communicated with the players about the possibility of staying in Australia.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026
Behind the scenes, Princess Arsinoe was making mischief of her own.
From "Sterling Biographies®: Cleopatra: Egypt's Last and Greatest Queen" by Susan Blackaby
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.