Behind the scenes
Meaning: What happens out of public view — the hidden work, preparation, or drama that audiences don't see.
Originally from theater (what happens behind the stage curtains), 'behind the scenes' now refers to any hidden process or effort. 'Behind-the-scenes' content showing how movies are made is hugely popular on YouTube. In business, it means the work that isn't visible to clients.
Examples
- The behind-the-scenes footage was almost better than the movie itself. 幕后花絮几乎比电影本身还精彩。El material entre bastidores era casi mejor que la propia película.舞台裏の映像は映画本編よりも面白いくらいだった。비하인드 영상이 영화 본편보다 더 재미있을 정도였어.
- A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to make this event happen. 为了让这场活动顺利举行,幕后有大量的工作在进行。Se hace mucho trabajo entre bastidores para que este evento salga adelante.このイベントを実現するために裏方で多くの作業が行われている。이 행사를 성사시키기 위해 무대 뒤에서 많은 작업이 이루어지고 있어.
- You wouldn't believe what's going on behind the scenes at that company. 你要是知道那家公司的幕后发生了什么,肯定不敢相信。No te creerías lo que está pasando entre bastidores en esa empresa.あの会社の裏で何が起きているか、知ったら信じられないよ。그 회사 뒤에서 무슨 일이 벌어지고 있는지 알면 믿지 못할 거야.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: entertainment, business, social media content
Tone: revealing, curious
✓ Do Say
- Here's a look behind the scenes.来看看幕后花絮。Aquí tienes un vistazo entre bastidores.Here's a look behind the scenes.(舞台裏をお見せしましょう。)비하인드를 보여줄게.
- A lot happens behind the scenes.幕后有很多工作。Pasan muchas cosas entre bastidores.A lot happens behind the scenes.(裏方では多くのことが行われている。)무대 뒤에서 많은 일이 일어나.
✗ Don't Say
- Don't reveal genuinely confidential behind-the-scenes information without permission未经许可不要泄露真正机密的幕后信息No reveles información confidencial de lo que pasa entre bastidores sin permiso本当に機密性の高い裏側の情報を許可なく漏らさないこと허락 없이 진짜 기밀인 비하인드 정보를 공개하지 않는다
Origin & History
From theater production, where the backstage area is hidden from the audience. The phrase has been used figuratively in American English since the 18th century.
Cultural Context
Era: 18th century onwards
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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