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

Much of the work happens behind the scenes, through introductions, meetings and conversations with designers and brand executives, often long before a formal partnership takes shape. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026

The exhibition’s second section moves beyond models, actors and performers to focus on the people who influenced and wielded power behind the scenes in Hollywood. — Siran Babayan, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

Adjective

Narrated by Hugh Bonneville, this one-hour documentary special goes behind-the-scenes of the Bergenbanen, one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. — Rachel Labonte, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026

OutKick OutDoors is on the ground at Old Hickory Lake for The Champions, bringing readers exclusive interviews, tournament updates and behind-the-scenes coverage as the world's top anglers compete for bass fishing's biggest payday. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 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