behind the scenes

Meaning

This expression refers to work, planning, or activity that happens out of public view or away from the main stage. Originally from theater, it is now used broadly to describe any effort that makes a final product or event successful without being visible to the audience or customer. The tone is neutral and descriptive.

Examples

• A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes to keep this website running.

  A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes to keep this website running.

• The documentary showed what happens behind the scenes during a fashion show.

  The documentary showed what happens behind the scenes during a fashion show.

• While the players got the credit, the coaching staff did amazing work behind the scenes.

  While the players got the credit, the coaching staff did amazing work behind the scenes.

• Our administrative team works behind the scenes to ensure everything goes smoothly.

  Our administrative team works behind the scenes to ensure everything goes smoothly.

• I'd love to get a behind-the-scenes look at how they film this show.

  I'd love to get a behind-the-scenes look at how they film this show.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ She works behind the scene.

  ✓ She works behind the scenes.

  The noun 'scenes' must always be plural in this idiom. Using the singular 'scene' is grammatically incorrect for this expression.

• ✗ This is a behind scene video.

  ✓ This is a behind-the-scenes video.

  When used as an adjective before a noun, you must include 'the' and hyphenate the phrase: 'behind-the-scenes video'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Most people only see the final product, but there is so much effort going on ___.

  💡 Unseen work that happens out of public view.

  Show answer

  behind the scenes

• The event coordinators worked tirelessly ___ to make sure the gala was a success.

  💡 Think of theater crew working backstage.

  Show answer

  behind the scenes