behind bars

VERB

serving jail time

Synonyms

WEAK

confined imprisoned in jail in prison incarcerated jailed put away serving time under lock and key

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Under South Korean law, prosecutors had three punishment options to recommend to the panel of district-court judges: the death penalty or life behind bars, with or without prison labor.

From The Wall Street Journal

The so-called "Car Wash" scandal, which erupted in 2014, has landed dozens of top politicians and business figures behind bars.

From Barron's

Both men, one a commander and the other a sergeant, have already spent two years behind bars.

From Barron's

But relatives of those still behind bars have been expressing their frustration that only a small number of prisoners have been freed.

From BBC

He went on hunger strike this March while behind bars and was later released after being pardoned by Egyptian president Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi.

From Barron's