coulisse

wings (backstage area)

noun koo-LEES Rare

Also means

sliding panel, groove

Usage Note

Coulisse most commonly appears in the plural les coulisses to mean the backstage wings of a theatre or, figuratively, the behind-the-scenes workings of any organisation — dans les coulisses du pouvoir (behind the scenes of power). A porte à coulisse is a sliding door. The expression en coulisse means done quietly out of public view.

Examples

"Les acteurs attendaient dans les coulisses."

Natural Translation

The actors were waiting in the wings.

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