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.

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

He has spent more than a decade of his life behind bars and his release in September after a presidential pardon followed a long campaign by his family and lobbying by the British government.

From BBC