behind bars
phrase
as in imprisoned
taken and held prisoner
The con artist was behind bars for printing fake checks.
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Recent Examples of behind bars
With guidelines offering literally decades behind bars as an option, the still Jay Clayton-run SDNY had wanted to see Rinsch get a minimum of 60 months, or just over five years, for his crimes.
—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
29 June 2026
The Hillsborough County state attorney’s office had argued for Arnold to remain behind bars until trial.
—
Chuck Schilken,
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2026
Cameras have continued to document their lives over the years, including Teresa Giudice and Joe Giudice's prior legal battle over charges for financial crimes that ultimately landed them behind bars.
—
Liza Esquibias,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
29 June 2026
The Hillsborough County state attorney’s office had argued for Arnold to remain behind bars until trial.
—
Chuck Schilken,
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2026
Cameras have continued to document their lives over the years, including Teresa Giudice and Joe Giudice's prior legal battle over charges for financial crimes that ultimately landed them behind bars.
—
Liza Esquibias,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Behind bars.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/behind%20bars. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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