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

The robot staff behind the scenes Pudu's FlashBot will run an intelligent vending system, allowing guests to order drink deliveries by smartphone. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026

As the Interstate 77 South toll-lane project continues to cause debate and controversy, discussions behind the scenes regarding the possible expansion of the existing toll lanes on the interstate are happening. — Michael Praats, Charlotte Observer, 4 July 2026

Adjective

After some behind-the-scenes drama, Tom Hardy is staying on and will continue to star alongside Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan, sources tell Deadline. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 30 June 2026

The Legends Tasting and Tour includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the winemaking facilities for $150 per person. — Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 30 June 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