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
Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026
Timed with the development news, Cate has launched a website giving out clues and updates for fans of the short film, along with theories and behind-the-scenes content.
—Matt Minton, Variety, 12 June 2026
That led to a behind-the-scenes tussle between OPD and federal authorities about what to release to the public and when.
—Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026
Share behind-the-scenes choices, founder point-of-view content and first-access offers.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for behind the scenes
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Adjective
Kim's stylist, Dani Levi, shared behind-the-scenes footage of the festival on her Instagram Stories, including a photo of her and North posing backstage together and the pair walking around the festival grounds.
—Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026
Timed with the development news, Cate has launched a website giving out clues and updates for fans of the short film, along with theories and behind-the-scenes content.
—Matt Minton, Variety, 12 June 2026
That led to a behind-the-scenes tussle between OPD and federal authorities about what to release to the public and when.
—Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026
Share behind-the-scenes choices, founder point-of-view content and first-access offers.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 12 June 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 21 Jun. 2026.
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