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.

All three cases had similar outcomes: charges dropped or reduced to no time behind bars after a plea deal.

From Los Angeles Times

Rodriguez has started releasing political prisoners ahead of the pending amnesty -- more than 400 according to rights group Foro Penal, but with many more still behind bars.

From Barron's

I’m glad Emma is comfortable talking to me, but I don’t like to think about her dad living behind bars.

From Literature

But the releases have not been quick or widespread enough, according to loved ones of hundreds of dissidents and critics still behind bars.

From Barron's

While the political leader in question remains in office, the agent is behind bars.

From Los Angeles Times