1.
inside story; behind-the-scenes account; insider information
A story or account revealing what really happened behind the scenes, especially within an organization, company, or political group. Often involves information not known to the general public.
芸能界の内幕話を聞いた。
I heard an inside story about the entertainment industry.
退職した社員が会社の内幕話を暴露した。
A former employee revealed inside stories about the company.
この本には政治家たちの知られざる内幕話が数多く書かれていて、発売と同時に話題になった。
This book contains many unknown inside stories about politicians, and it became a hot topic as soon as it was released.
A compound of 内幕 (the inside story, what goes on behind the curtain) and 話 (story, account). 内幕 literally means "inner curtain" — from theater, where the audience cannot see what happens behind the curtain.
Often carries a slightly sensational or gossipy nuance, as the information revealed is typically meant to be confidential.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 内幕話を暴露する: to reveal an inside story
- 内幕話を聞く: to hear an inside story
- 内幕話が漏れる: inside information leaks out
- 驚きの内幕話: a surprising inside story
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 裏話: behind-the-scenes story — similar meaning, slightly more casual
- 暴露話: exposé, tell-all story — emphasizes the act of revealing secrets
- 内情: inside circumstances — the internal situation itself, not necessarily told as a story