backstairs
Hidden household passage
Backstairs refers to a secondary staircase, originally one used by servants to move through a house without being seen by the family.
The figurative sense dominates modern usage: backstairs means secret, underhanded, or conducted through unofficial channels.
Backstairs deals, backstairs intrigue, and backstairs influence all suggest maneuvering that avoids proper procedures or public scrutiny.
Housing for domestic employees
- butlerChief domestic servant
- housekeeperDomestic cleaning professional
- footmanUniformed domestic male attendant
- maidHousehold cleaning worker
scullery · pantry · kitchen · tradesman's entrance · domestic · household staff · service entrance
Concealed information
- covertIntentionally concealed
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
- furtiveSecretive and sly
- stealthySecretly cautious in movement
hidden · underhand · unofficial · private · discreet · sneaking · unacknowledged · illicit
Clandestine coordinated scheming
- schemeCalculated strategy, often secretive
- plotStoryline or land parcel
- machinationCrafty scheming, often hostile
- maneuveringSkillful directional control
cabal · collusion · skulduggery · double-dealing · manipulation · subterfuge · treachery · sedition
Unconfirmed circulating story
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- whisperSpeech without full voice
- hearsayUnverified secondhand information
- tittle-tattleTrivial, idle chatter
innuendo · slander · talebearing · speculation · buzz · chatter · prattle · gossipmonger
servants' quarters
Housing for domestic employees
- butlerChief domestic servant
- housekeeperDomestic cleaning professional
- footmanUniformed domestic male attendant
maid · scullery · pantry · kitchen · tradesman's entrance · domestic · household staff · service entrance
secret
Concealed information
- covertIntentionally concealed
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
- furtiveSecretive and sly
stealthy · hidden · underhand · unofficial · private · discreet · sneaking · unacknowledged · illicit · hush-hush
conspiracy
Clandestine coordinated scheming
- schemeCalculated strategy, often secretive
- plotStoryline or land parcel
- machinationCrafty scheming, often hostile
maneuvering · cabal · collusion · skulduggery · double-dealing · manipulation · subterfuge · treachery · sedition · subversion
rumor
Unconfirmed circulating story
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- whisperSpeech without full voice
- hearsayUnverified secondhand information
tittle-tattle · innuendo · slander · talebearing · speculation · buzz · chatter · prattle · gossipmonger · busybody
- servant quartersservants, servant, domestic staff, household staff, servants hall
backstairsaboveboard
Honest and unconcealed
legitimate · proper · official · sanctioned · authorized
backstairsgrand staircase
Imposing architectural stairway centerpiece
front stairs · main entrance · grand entrance · foyer · lobby