Idiom: Behind bars

 

"Behind bars"

Meaning

  • The idiom 'behind bars' means in jail or prison.
  • If you say that someone is behind bars, you mean that they are in prison.

  • This idiom is often used as the phrase ‘put someone behind bars.’

Related words:  in jail or prison , incarcerate, imprison, lock up

Origin

The idiom “behind bars” has been in use since the early 18th century. The word “bars” in this idiom refers to the iron bars conventionally used to confine convicted criminals in jails, prisons, or cells.


Example Sentences

  • He has spent most of his life behind bars.

  • If you keep hanging around with the wrong crowd, you’ll end up behind bars.

  • Until the court hearing, they will remain behind bars.
  • Fisher was behind bars last night, charged with attempted murder.
  • Nearly 5,000 people a year are put behind bars over motoring penalties.
  • I heard Mike's uncle is behind bars again. I wonder what he did this time!
  • Sir, I'm afraid your son has been put behind bars on a charge of drunk driving.
  • Very soon, you will be behind bars for your crimes.
  • Max should be behind bars soon for his conviction on burglary charges.
  • All murderers should be put behind bars for life.
  • There are men and women who are stuck behind bars as political prisoners.

  • “I won’t stop until I put this man behind bars where he belongs,” said the prosecutor.

  • The fugitive who led U.S. Marshalls on a chase through almost ten states is finally behind bars again.

Questions

Do you know anyone who is behind bars?

Why is he or she behind bars?



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