When you go to the theater to see a show, you see the actors and the scenery, but you don't see all the people backstage who run the lights and sound, handle the props, or built the set (scenery). All of those people work behind the scenes, behind the scenery you can see on stage.
We use "behind the scenes" in a lot of different contexts, but it always means the same thing—something is done out of public view. Here are just a few examples of how you can use it:
- "Let's thank all the people who worked so hard behind the scenes to make this show happen!"
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The negotiations took place behind the scenes. In fact, no one knew anything about them until the agreement was announced.
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This film takes you behind the scenes to see how the new bridge was built.
Some people prefer to work behind the scenes rather than be out front on the "stage".
A: Okay, everything's ready. We have all the materials done and the proposal laid out. You should do the presentation—you did most of the work.
B: No, thanks! I'm not good at being in front of people. I'd much rather stay behind the scenes. You can do the presentation.
Do you prefer to be behind the scenes, or would you rather be out front, doing the talking?