behind the scenes

Are you using the idiom behind the scenes but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the behind the scenes idiom and the situations in which it is used.

Meaning of "behind the scenes"

Meaning

The phrase “behind the scenes” typically refers to activities that are not visible to the public, but still have a strong influence on the outcome of a situation. It can refer to the work, decisions, negotiations, and other activities that take place away from the public eye in order to produce a desired result. Generally, the phrase is used when describing activities that are kept away from public knowledge, but are still critical to the success of a project or plan.

Etymology

The phrase “behind the scenes” first appeared in print in 1824 as part of the novel Tom Cringle’s Log by Michael Scott. The phrase originally referred to theatrical operations such as the movement of props, costume changes, and other activities that took place outside the view of the audience during a performance. From this, the term has evolved to become an idiom with a much wider range of meanings.

Usage

The phrase “behind the scenes” is often used to refer to activities happening within a particular situation or organization that the public is unaware of. It can be used in both a literal or figurative sense. For example, a company may be working “behind the scenes” to develop a new product or a negotiator may be working “behind the scenes” to reach a resolution to a conflict. It can also be used to describe the private deliberations of a decision-making body on a particular issue or project.

Example Sentences

• The politician was working behind the scenes to negotiate a compromise between the two sides.
• The committee was meeting behind the scenes to decide on the best course of action.
• The production team was working diligently behind the scenes to ensure a successful show.

The power of idioms transcends languages!

"Putting the cart before the horse" is an English idiom that means doing things in the wrong order. In Russian, the similar idiom is "Кладёт колесо впереди лошади," which translates to "Putting the cart before the horse." This idiom emphasizes the idea that doing things in the wrong order can lead to confusion and problems down the line.