behind the scenes

Without the public seeing or knowing what is happening.

• They worked behind the scenes.
• Officials negotiated behind the scenes for weeks.
• Who arranged the deal behind the scenes?

Similar words: privately, in secret

Opposites: publicly, openly

Common phrases: work behind the scenes, negotiate behind the scenes

In the places where a film or show is prepared, away from the audience.

• She works behind the scenes.
• We went behind the scenes after the show.
• The actors laughed together behind the scenes during filming.

Similar words: backstage

Common phrases: work behind the scenes, go behind the scenes

Done away from public view, often to help an event or decision succeed.

• The agreement needed careful behind-the-scenes planning.
• Her behind-the-scenes work kept the event running.
• We appreciate the behind-the-scenes support from our staff.

Similar words: private, unseen

Opposites: public

Common phrases: behind the scenes work, behind the scenes talks

Showing how something is made or organized, including details people do not usually see.

• We watched a behind-the-scenes video.
• The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the election.
• Have you seen the behind-the-scenes footage from the film?

Similar words: revealing, insider

Common phrases: behind the scenes look, behind the scenes tour