1. the wings or side areas of a theater stage, especially the spaces behind the side scenes
Usage: theater
2. the behind-the-scenes activities or hidden workings of an organization or situation
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The actors waited nervously in the coulisses before their entrance.
• Stagehands moved props through the coulisses during scene changes.
• The director observed the performance from the coulisses.
• Political negotiations often take place in the coulisses of power.
• She preferred working in the coulisses rather than center stage.
• The real decisions were made in the coulisses of the boardroom.