behind closed doors

1. In secret, privately. For example, The nominating committee always meets behind closed doors, lest its deliberations become known prematurely. Also see behind the scenes.

Example Sentences

He threatened to fire Chairman Jerome Powell on Truth Social, in the press, and behind closed doors.

From Slate

“I’ve seen over the years how it goes when you have meetings behind closed doors and you don’t consult with people affected by the plan,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

In an online petition which has received more than 30,000 signatures, his aunt Becky Shone said Ethan was "failed by a system that wasn't built to respond when access is denied or when a child is in danger behind closed doors".

From BBC

On Wednesday, after meeting behind closed doors for more than 90 minutes, the council sent Feldstein Soto’s request to the powerful budget committee for more review.

From Los Angeles Times

What we heard from the leaders suggests that their discussions behind closed doors focused on security guarantees for Ukraine and prospects for a meeting between Zelensky and Putin.

From BBC