backroom
Secret meeting space
A backroom is a private space away from public view, typically behind a main area where business is conducted.
As an adjective, it describes activities done secretly or unofficially: backroom deals, backroom politics.
The implication is often of decisions made by insiders without public scrutiny or accountability.
Agreement or distribution
- lobbyingAdvocating to decision-makers
- influencePower to affect others
- powerEnergy transfer rate
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
cronyism · patronage · kingmaker · maneuvering · machination · cabal · nepotism · favoritism
Concealed from authorities
- covertIntentionally concealed
- confidentialMeant to stay secret
- hiddenKept out of sight
- hush-hushHighly confidential matter
off-the-record · classified · undisclosed · whispered · conspiracy · secretive · veiled · discreet
Arranging for future events
- tacticsMethods to achieve goals
- schemingCrafty and calculating
- plottingDevising a secret plan
- brainstormingGenerating many ideas freely
logistics · analysis · roadmap · calculation · deliberation · orchestration · coordination · game plan
Notable, for short
- eliteSuperior select group
- privateRestricted to certain parties
- selectiveChoosing with care
- members-onlyRestricted to enrolled participants
inner circle · access · privileged · restricted · velvet rope · connected · gatekeeper
deal
Agreement or distribution
corruption · cronyism · patronage · kingmaker · maneuvering · machination · cabal · nepotism · favoritism · graft
clandestine
Concealed from authorities
- covertIntentionally concealed
- confidentialMeant to stay secret
- hiddenKept out of sight
hush-hush · off-the-record · classified · undisclosed · whispered · conspiracy · secretive · veiled · discreet · private
planning
Arranging for future events
brainstorming · logistics · analysis · roadmap · calculation · deliberation · orchestration · coordination · game plan · mastermind
VIP
Notable, for short
members-only · inner circle · access · privileged · restricted · velvet rope · connected · gatekeeper
prohibition
Authoritative legal ban
- jazzImprovisational American music genre
- whiskeyOak-aged grain spirit
- gamblingBetting on uncertain results
bootleg · mafia · mobster · flapper · 1920s · moonshine · password · alleyway · gin joint · Capone
- storagedrive, silos, bins, tanks, storehouse
- retailretail sales, Amazon, marketplace, clearance, sale
- spaceflightlaunch, astronaut, spacecraft, liftoff, orbit
- Restockingshelving, refilling, replenishing, reordering, inventory check
- intimate spacesalcove, nook, snug, booth, cubicle
- Mission ControlHouston, Cape Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center, Johnson Space Center, flight director
backroompublic
Available to all
open · transparent · visible · overt · aboveboard
backroomopen forum
Unrestricted public discussion
public hearing · town hall · on the floor · televised · broadcast
backroomfront room
Forward-facing living area
lobby · storefront · reception · front of house · front office