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

Phrase

Who returns in the cast and behind the scenes, if the show is renewed, remains to be seen. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Hope Davis as Nancy Reagan Hope Davis plays Nancy Reagan, who, beyond her duties as first lady, was one of her husband’s closest confidantes and wielded considerable influence behind the scenes during his presidency. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Narrated by Diane Lane, reciting Eleanor’s journals from the time, this is a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse that is both process-oriented and touchingly personal. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026

After the episode aired on July 3, Jake Reiner — the youngest son of Rob and Michele — shared a behind-the-scenes photo of his father in costume with his signature beard. — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 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