behind the scenes

idiom

Meaning

Describes things that happen which the public don't know about or see directly.

Examples

SIMPLE

The crew works hard behind the scenes to make the show perfect.

CONTEXTUAL

While the actors get all the praise, many people work behind the scenes to build the sets and manage the lights.

COMPLEX

The public only sees the final agreement, but months of difficult negotiations took place behind the scenes to ensure the treaty was signed.

Last updated July 14, 2026