behind the scenes

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Happening privately or away from public view, especially the work that prepares for something people see.

   Grammar: Used as an adverbial phrase, often after a verb: They worked behind the scenes.

   Patterns

   • work behind the scenes
   • behind the scenes at something
   • behind-the-scenes work

   A lot of planning goes on behind the scenes before the festival opens.

   She prefers to work behind the scenes rather than appear on stage.

   The documentary shows the behind-the-scenes work of a busy hospital.

2. 2adjectivebefore a noun

   Describing something that is not meant to be seen by the public, such as private talks or preparations.

   Grammar: Comes before a noun and is usually written with hyphens: a behind-the-scenes look.

   Patterns

   • behind-the-scenes look
   • behind-the-scenes negotiations
   • behind-the-scenes footage

   The book gives a behind-the-scenes account of the election campaign.

   They released behind-the-scenes footage from the film set.

   Behind-the-scenes talks between the two countries continued for months.

Common combinations

go on behind the scenes

No one knows what goes on behind the scenes at that company.

work behind the scenes

He worked behind the scenes to arrange the meeting.

behind-the-scenes look

The museum offered a behind-the-scenes look at its storage rooms.

behind-the-scenes negotiations

Behind-the-scenes negotiations led to a surprise agreement.

Synonyms and how they differ

privately

Focuses on something not being public; behind the scenes often suggests active preparation or influence, not just privacy.

backstage

Used literally for the area behind a stage in a theater; behind the scenes is more general and often figurative.

Opposites

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “behind the scenes”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words