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

Thirty-one years after winning Best Actor for Forrest Gump, Tom Hanks and the film’s cast are still revealing behind-the-scenes secrets — from a studio standoff over money to a prosthetic lip that nearly destroyed an actor’s career. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026

But there was plenty of behind-the-scenes negotiating. —CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026

To complete any trip to Glasgow, the behind-the-scenes tour of Celtic Park Stadium is essential. —Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Mar. 2026

The Drivecast is The Drive‘s weekly podcast taking you behind-the-scenes with the biggest stories, controversies, and characters shaping the automotive industry and the way our roads look today. —Joel Feder, The Drive, 26 Mar. 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

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