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

Ever wondered what a luxury brand looks like behind the scenes? — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 2 July 2026

While fans wait to see what's next for Beth and Rip, take a look behind the scenes of season 1. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Adjective

The winner will also receive a behind-the-scenes look at the set and paid travel for themselves and a guest. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026

By all accounts, the event went off without a hitch—but not without behind-the-scenes anxiety. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 7 July 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