behind bars

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

He was sentenced to 12 weeks behind bars at Liverpool Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to assaulting three pupils.

From BBC

Lawyer Alexandra Shapiro argued it was impossible for the musician to prepare for trial from behind bars because of the "incredibly voluminous" amount of material to review, especially without a laptop computer.

From BBC

The goal made sense: Prisoners are sentenced to time behind bars, not forced labor.

From Los Angeles Times

“Violence is never the answer, and a sick and twisted plan turned into life behind bars for two young men.”

From Los Angeles Times

Latest government figures show more than half of women are sent to jail for less than six months, compared to 3% of the total prison population being behind bars for that length of time.

From BBC