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
Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026
One of the most significant differences between the version shared on Cadillac’s social media channels and the television advertisement was the inclusion of more behind-the-scenes footage of what goes into assembling the car, from design to assembly.
—Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Their new manager, who was a Padres relief pitcher during much of the recent turmoil and a behind-the-scenes observer for other instances, is anti-drama at his core.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
DeBrand Fine Chocolates Known for gourmet chocolates and caramel apples, DeBrand Fine Chocolates provides a behind-the-scenes look at the chocolate-making process on factory tours.
—Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for behind the scenes
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Adjective
The designer posted behind-the-scenes photos on the brand’s Instagram account.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026
One of the most significant differences between the version shared on Cadillac’s social media channels and the television advertisement was the inclusion of more behind-the-scenes footage of what goes into assembling the car, from design to assembly.
—Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Their new manager, who was a Padres relief pitcher during much of the recent turmoil and a behind-the-scenes observer for other instances, is anti-drama at his core.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
DeBrand Fine Chocolates Known for gourmet chocolates and caramel apples, DeBrand Fine Chocolates provides a behind-the-scenes look at the chocolate-making process on factory tours.
—Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 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 14 Feb. 2026.
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