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.

Det Chf Insp Craig Kelly, the officer who led the investigation, said he was glad Milne was "behind bars, where he should be."

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

It was while behind bars that Traci says she felt a calling to set up a construction company on her release.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

The judge sentenced him to 33 months behind bars, but a federal appeals court in December ordered Hankison freed while it reviews his case, nodding to Keenan’s arguments.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Kornev’s tragedy is that, while he may not be behind bars, he can’t see the prison he’s trapped in.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Banning was a dangerous game, for one was not shackled or chained behind bars; the bars were laws and regulations that could easily be violated and often were.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela