behind the scenes
1 of 2phrase
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
William Clark
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
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
Ian Shepherd, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Over the next period, Hyundai Motor will release additional behind-the-scenes content from its collaboration with Boston Dynamics, with the material set to explore the development and training behind Atlas’ movements, and offer technical insight into robotic learning and motion design.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 2026
Her role was revealed in a behind-the-scenes video included in a TwitchCon presentation livestreamed on Saturday morning.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 30 May 2026
After a year of behind-the-scenes maneuvering, the region’s MLB hopefuls gave the public a first look at their plan to court the league this week, launching West Sacramento into a competition with cities across North America, some of which have spent years advancing bids.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for behind the scenes
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Adjective
Fans follow memes, reactions, watchalongs, creator commentary, livestream debates and behind-the-scenes content throughout the tournament cycle.
—Ian Shepherd, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Over the next period, Hyundai Motor will release additional behind-the-scenes content from its collaboration with Boston Dynamics, with the material set to explore the development and training behind Atlas’ movements, and offer technical insight into robotic learning and motion design.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 2026
Her role was revealed in a behind-the-scenes video included in a TwitchCon presentation livestreamed on Saturday morning.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 30 May 2026
After a year of behind-the-scenes maneuvering, the region’s MLB hopefuls gave the public a first look at their plan to court the league this week, launching West Sacramento into a competition with cities across North America, some of which have spent years advancing bids.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for behind the scenes
Cite this Entry
“Behind the scenes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behind%20the%20scenes. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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