behind-the-scenes

[ bih-hahynd-thuh-seenz ]
/ bɪˈhaɪnd ðəˈsinz /

adjective

happening or conducted out of view of the general public: The behind-the-scenes preparations made the convention a huge success.
held or kept privately by or among a few key or influential persons: behind-the-scenes negotiations.
occurring backstage: the behind-the-scenes activities of the stage crew.

Origin of behind-the-scenes

First recorded in 1835–45

Definition for behind the scenes (2 of 2)

scene
[ seen ]
/ sin /

noun

Origin of scene

1530–40; < Latin scēna background (of the stage) < Greek skēnḗ booth (where actors dressed)

SYNONYMS FOR scene

2 See view.
3 episode.
4 demonstration, spectacle, show.

OTHER WORDS FROM scene

in·ter·scene, noun

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH scene

scene seen

British Dictionary definitions for behind the scenes

scene
/ (siːn) /

noun

Word Origin for scene

C16: from Latin scēna theatrical stage, from Greek skēnē tent, stage

Idioms and Phrases with behind the scenes (1 of 2)

behind the scenes

In secret or private, away from public view, as in His struggle for the top position took place strictly behind the scenes. This term alludes to the various activities that go on behind the curtain in theaters, out of the audience's view. [Late 1700s] Also see behind closed doors.

Idioms and Phrases with behind the scenes (2 of 2)

scene

see behind the scenes; make a scene; make the scene; on the scene; set the scene for.