behind bars

phrase

: in jail

putting criminals behind bars

Examples of behind bars in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The vote followed a lengthy discussion by council members who debated whether selling the detention center was in the best interest of Atlanta, its residents or the detainees who would be held behind bars. — Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Citing the group Prisoners Defenders, Fly said more than 1,300 political prisoners remain behind bars. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026

During his time at FCI Fort Dix, Combs was reportedly living a pampered lifestyle behind bars. — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026

The Sentencing Project, an advocacy group that wants fewer people behind bars, reports that white women were imprisoned at a rate of 41 per 100,000 in 2023, while white men were imprisoned at 341 per 100,000, more than eight times as high. — Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for behind bars

• abattoirs
• avatars
• handlebars
• isobars
• millibars
• motorcars
• registrars
• reservoirs
• seminars
• superstars
• ares
• cars