# behind the scenes

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/behind-the-scenes
Updated: 2026-07-14

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- The crew works hard behind the scenes to make the show perfect.
- While the actors get all the praise, many people work behind the scenes to build the sets and manage the lights.
- The public only sees the final agreement, but months of difficult negotiations took place behind the scenes to ensure the treaty was signed.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.