behind bars
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.
Activists who have spent several years behind bars in Cuba say being imprisoned for so long leaves a permanent scar.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026
Prekoski argued for Peterson to sentence his client to between 14 and 20 years behind bars, saying that the maximum prison term likely would mean O’Connor would die “in a cage.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026
She was sentenced to nine years in prison, but after Polis’ commutation, Peters is expected to be released on June 1, having served less than two years behind bars for her crimes.
From Slate • May 21, 2026
The difference shapes how much time Sharifullah could spend behind bars — the more serious charge was eligible for a life sentence.
From Salon • May 19, 2026
One reason so many people have a false impression of the economic well-being of African Americans, as a group, is that poverty and unemployment statistics do not include people who are behind bars.
From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander
