Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 6 days ago
Prepositions are often used to create idiomatic expressions. These can take the form of a prepositional phrase, a compound with a prepositional prefix, or other forms.
This week's batch of vocabulary videos presents pairs of idiomatic expressions that each begins with a preposition, though these are opposing prepositions, like above & under, behind and up front, and so on.
In this video, we are looking at 'behind the scenes' & '(be) up front/upfront'. Both of these items be literal collocations or idiomatic expressions (meaning something other than the words used).
behind the scenes: out of the public’s view; in secret; behind the stage settings (theater performance),
The show was flawless and seemed so easy for the cast, which is a testament to the professionalism of those working hard behind the scenes.
Shareholders rarely understand the dealings that go on behind the scenes in the corporate world, which is essentially what makes trading on the stock market somewhat of a gamble.
(be) up front/upfront: in advance (payment); straightforward, honest, transparent; in front, leading
The captain should always stand up front when the team receives a medal.
Payment must be made up front, and then the services will begin. (make an upfront payment)
The CEO was up front with his staff when he explained the need for budget cuts and the reasons for freezing their salaries. These upfront explanations were little comfort, though.
Try creating your own sentences with these expressions. Be sure to read and comment on others' examples.
Prepositions are often used to create idiomatic expressions. These can take the form of a prepositional phrase, a compound with a prepositional prefix, or other forms.
This week's batch of vocabulary videos presents pairs of idiomatic expressions that each begins with a preposition, though these are opposing prepositions, like above & under, behind and up front, and so on.
In this video, we are looking at 'behind the scenes' & '(be) up front/upfront'. Both of these items be literal collocations or idiomatic expressions (meaning something other than the words used).
behind the scenes: out of the public’s view; in secret; behind the stage settings (theater performance),
The show was flawless and seemed so easy for the cast, which is a testament to the professionalism of those working hard behind the scenes.
Shareholders rarely understand the dealings that go on behind the scenes in the corporate world, which is essentially what makes trading on the stock market somewhat of a gamble.
(be) up front/upfront: in advance (payment); straightforward, honest, transparent; in front, leading
The captain should always stand up front when the team receives a medal.
Payment must be made up front, and then the services will begin. (make an upfront payment)
The CEO was up front with his staff when he explained the need for budget cuts and the reasons for freezing their salaries. These upfront explanations were little comfort, though.
Try creating your own sentences with these expressions. Be sure to read and comment on others' examples.
