behind the scenes

1 of 2

phrase

1

: out of public view

also : in secret

2

: in a position to see the hidden workings

… taken behind the scenes and told just how in fact the actual government … has operated …

—William Clark

behind-the-scenes

2 of 2

adjective

be·​hind-the-scenes bi-ˈhīnd-ṯẖə-ˈsēnz 

bē-

1

: being or working out of public view or in secret

behind-the-scenes lobbying for more money

a behind-the-scenes player

2

: revealing or reporting the hidden workings

a behind-the-scenes account

a behind-the-scenes glimpse

Synonyms of behind the scenes

Adjective

• confidential
• secret
• private

Examples of behind the scenes in a Sentence

Adjective

a tell-all book about the behind-the-scenes negotiations that got him the vice presidential nomination

behind-the-scenes negotiations that resulted in the hostages being released unharmed

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Mercury stations retrograde in Cancer in your 12th House of Rest and Reflection, stirring old worries, unfinished conversations, and behind-the-scenes doubts. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026

Either way, Angela’s slip is definitely showing in terms of behind-the-scenes messiness (seriously, enough is enough with the cheating stories! — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 29 June 2026

Based on McQuiston’s 2019 LGBTQ romantasy novel, the sequel to Red, White & Royal Blue was first announced in May 2024, and the cast celebrated completing production on Red, White & Royal Wedding with a behind-the-scenes clip. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 28 June 2026

As part of its strategy to capture new fans around the globe, X Games is launching a four-part, behind-the-scenes series, Dropping In. — Michelle Bruton, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Phrase

1685, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for behind the scenes

• phenothiazines
• achenes
• alkenes
• amines
• benzenes
• canteens
• convenes
• cosines
• cuisines
• eumenes
• hellenes
• latrines