behind the scenes

Register · Neutral Neutral — appropriate in most situations, both spoken and written, without sounding too casual or too stiff. CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

happening privately or secretly, not in public view

Why this phrase?

From theatre, where work happens off-stage; figuratively means 'in private'.

Example

“A lot of work happens behind the scenes to make the show run.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

let the cat out of the bag Informal · CEFR B1

To reveal a secret, usually by mistake.

pull someone's leg Informal · CEFR B1

To tease or joke with someone by telling them something untrue in fun.

spill the beans Informal · CEFR B1

To reveal a secret, often accidentally.

come to light Neutral · CEFR B2

to become known or be discovered, especially something hidden

give the game away Informal · CEFR B2

to accidentally reveal a secret or plan

rat race Informal · CEFR B1

the exhausting, competitive struggle to keep up at work and get ahead

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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