Behind the scenes means out of the public's sight: literally backstage, or any preparation nobody sees, like volunteers keeping a festival on time. The scenes are the painted backdrops of a theatre stage, and the crew worked behind them, which is why the word stays plural. Before a noun it takes hyphens: a behind-the-scenes video.
When would you say behind the scenes?
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work / happen behind the scenes; behind-the-scenes + noun
- A small team worked behind the scenes to keep the festival on schedule.
- The video gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the costume workshop.
- Most visitors never see the repairs that happen behind the scenes.
What changed
First versionThe volunteers worked behind the scene while visitors enjoyed the exhibition.
RevisionThe volunteers worked behind the scenes while visitors enjoyed the exhibition.
A play happens in one place, so behind the scene can feel logical. But the idiom always uses the plural, after the painted scenery standing behind the actors: behind the scenes. Add the s, and the phrase sounds right.
Under the radar means going unnoticed, often on purpose: The change went under the radar. Behind the scenes is unseen work that holds up a visible result. In secret means hidden on purpose, like a surprise party, not the preparation for a concert.
Your turn
Use the idiom for work the public does not see: The team solved the problem behind the ___.
Show the answer
scenes — The idiom is always plural: behind the scenes. Behind the scene isn't the fixed form.
Describe work that party guests or museum visitors usually don't notice. Use behind the scenes.
While the audience listened to the speakers, volunteers worked behind the scenes to prepare the next room.
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