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

In addition to his behind-the-scenes roles, Landon costarred as Jonathan Smith, an angel on probation sent to Earth to help humans. —Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 10 May 2026

Designers use these platforms to share behind-the-scenes processes, cultural narratives and styling ideas, making their work accessible to audiences far beyond the region. —Fmg Studios, Footwear News, 10 May 2026

Linde’s presence in the space industry is indicative of its behind-the-scenes role in the broader economy. —Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 9 May 2026

The behind-the-scenes connection grew into a lasting friendship. —Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 9 May 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