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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

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