behind the scenes; in private; on the sly
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesadverb
behind someone's back; in secret; privately
informalRefers to actions or activities carried out covertly, without others' knowledge, often while maintaining a normal appearance on the surface. Usually carries a slightly negative connotation of scheming or secrecy.
Tā他
biǎo表
miàn面
bú不
lù露
shēng声
sè色
，
àn暗
xià下
lǐ里
què却
jiā加
jǐn紧
huó活
dòng动
。
On the surface, he showed no emotion, but behind the scenes, he intensified his activities.
Tā他
men们
liǎ俩
àn暗
xià下
lǐ里
shāng商
liang量
hǎo好
le了
duì对
cè策
。
The two of them secretly discussed and agreed on a countermeasure.
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Bié别
kàn看
tā他
xiàn现
zài在
hěn很
píng平
jìng静
，
àn暗
xià下
lǐ里
zǎo早
jiù就
kāi开
shǐ始
zhǔn准
bèi备
le了
。
Don't be fooled by his calm appearance; he started preparing long ago in private.
Jìng竞
zhēng争
duì对
shǒu手
àn暗
xià下
lǐ里
wā挖
zǒu走
le了
wǒ我
men们
gōng公
sī司
de的
hé核
xīn心
rén人
cái才
。
Our competitor secretly poached our company's core talent.