behind bars

Idioms  

1. In prison, as in All murderers should be put behind bars for life. The bars here refer to the iron rods used to confine prisoners. [c. 1900]

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Example Sentences

Anthony Duran said he waited until the Martins were behind bars to say anything about the group because he feared for his own safety.

From Los Angeles Times

Mokbel spent about 18 years behind bars but was released on bail last April after a court ruled he had a strong chance of overturning the criminal convictions.

From Barron's

Epstein, who died behind bars in 2019, owned an island in the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet there’s a possible deal to be had: China could approve the release of Jimmy Lai, the newspaper publisher and British citizen currently behind bars in Hong Kong.

From The Wall Street Journal

Chow and Lee, who are standing trial after pleading not guilty, have been behind bars since 2021.

From Barron's