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.

A British woman detained in Iran has given a stark account of her life behind bars.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 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

"We have a history of brilliant law enforcement cooperation to put the criminal smuggling gangs where they belong – behind bars," he said.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Fifteen of its mayors are now behind bars.

From Barron's • Mar. 9, 2026

The place of a freedom fighter is beside his people, not behind bars.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela