Being planned, developed, or prepared, though not yet ready or publicly announced.
This phrase likens projects to manufactured goods being assembled in a factory or workshop. It emerged in American English in the early 20th century, suggesting something is actively being constructed or developed behind the scenes.
The phrase evokes the image of a busy workshop where skilled craftspeople are assembling something important but not yet ready for public view. It creates anticipation while maintaining mystery - like glimpsing the silhouette of something exciting being built behind a curtain.
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