backstairs

• Adjectif désignant quelque chose de secret, caché ou mené de manière dissimulée, souvent dans un contexte politique ou domestique, avec une connotation de manœuvre peu honnête ou de potins des domestiques.

An old-fashioned adjective describing something that is secret, underhand, or done in a clandestine manner, often in a political or domestic context.

1. Rear staircaseB2formal

   A secondary staircase located at the back of a building, often used by servants or for deliveries.

   escalier de service

   • The butler used the backstairs to avoid the main hall.
   • The old mansion had a narrow backstairs for the staff.
   • Deliveries were always brought up the backstairs.

   Synonymesbackrearsecondaryservice

2. Secret or underhandedC1formal

   Involving secrecy, slyness, or dishonorable methods; often used to describe actions or dealings.

   sournois, caché

   • The politician used backstairs influence to secure the contract.
   • There were backstairs negotiations that no one knew about.
   • His backstairs methods eventually led to his downfall.

   Synonymesclandestinecovertfurtivehiddensecretstealthysurreptitiousundercoverunderhanded

   Antonymesaboveboardcandidforthrightfrankhonestopenstraightforward

• Nom désignant un escalier secondaire situé à l'arrière d'un bâtiment, souvent utilisé par le personnel domestique ou pour un accès discret et privé.

A noun referring to a secondary staircase at the rear of a building, often used by servants or for private access.

1. Secondary staircaseB2formal

   A staircase located at the rear of a building, often used by servants or for deliveries.

   Escalier de service

   • The servants used the backstairs to avoid the main hall.
   • The old mansion had a narrow backstairs leading to the kitchen.
   • Deliveries were brought up through the backstairs.

2. Secret or underhanded dealingsC1informal

   Activities or methods that are secretive, sly, or morally questionable.

   menées sournoises

   • The deal was arranged through backstairs negotiations.
   • He used backstairs influence to get the contract.
   • The scandal involved backstairs politics and hidden agreements.

   Synonymeschicanerycollusionintriguemachinationskulduggery