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
Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Instead, the measures would create a behind-the-scenes review that could result in some people being asked for citizenship documentation.
—ABC News, 7 Mar. 2026
Also in this episode, The Run-Through gets a behind-the-scenes look at the Rick Owens and Saint Laurent shows in Paris.
—Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2026
The film draws on exclusive archival material, candid interviews, and rare, behind-the-scenes insights into Michaels’ creative process.
—Kennedy French, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for behind the scenes
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Adjective
A day after Parayko informed general manager Doug Armstrong of his decision to stay put, Parayko provided behind-the-scenes details of the process that took place during the frantic 24-hour period.
—Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Instead, the measures would create a behind-the-scenes review that could result in some people being asked for citizenship documentation.
—ABC News, 7 Mar. 2026
Also in this episode, The Run-Through gets a behind-the-scenes look at the Rick Owens and Saint Laurent shows in Paris.
—Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2026
The film draws on exclusive archival material, candid interviews, and rare, behind-the-scenes insights into Michaels’ creative process.
—Kennedy French, Variety, 5 Mar. 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 15 Mar. 2026.
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