backstairs

back·stairs

adj \-ˌsterz\

Definition of BACKSTAIRS

1

: secret, furtive <backstairs political deals>

2

: sordid, scandalous <backstairs gossip>

Examples of BACKSTAIRS

1. <an influential Washington lobbyist who has been involved in a number of backstairs deals to limit regulation of financial institutions>

First Known Use of BACKSTAIRS

1663

Related to BACKSTAIRS

Synonyms: secret, behind-the-scenes, clandestine, covert, furtive, hole-and-corner, hugger-mugger, hush-hush, private, privy, sneak, sneaking, sneaky, stealth, stealthy, surreptitious, undercover, underground, underhand, underhanded

Antonyms: open, overt, public

Related Words: back-channel, closed-door, off-the-books, off-the-record; classified, confidential, restricted, top secret, undisclosed; concealed, hidden, secreted, subterranean, unadvertised, unexposed

Near Antonyms: acknowledged, avowed; aboveboard, straightforward, unconcealed, undisguised; unclassified, unrestricted; clear, evident, manifest, obvious, patent, plain

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Rhymes with BACKSTAIRS

downstairs, nowheres, somewheres, upstairs