Behind bars Meaning in English
expression
bɪˈhaɪnd/ /ˈbɑɹz
bi-HYND BARZ
bɪhˈaɪnd/ /bˈɑːz
bi-HYND BAHZ
Definition
This expression means to be in prison or jail. It refers to someone who is locked up as punishment for a crime.
Usage & Nuances
This is an informal and idiomatic way to say someone is in jail or prison. It is rarely used for animals or non-humans. Often appears in news, crime stories, or informal conversation. Don't use it when talking about someone being 'behind' something physically unless you mean prison.
Spanish: entre rejas - en prisiónPortuguese (BR): atrás das grades - presoPortuguese (PT): atrás das grades - presoChinese (Simplified): 在监狱里 - 入狱Chinese (Traditional): 在監獄裡 - 入獄Hindi: जेल मेंArabic: وراء القضبان - في السجنBengali: জেলে - কারাগারেRussian: за решёткой - в тюрьмеJapanese: 刑務所に - 拘置所にVietnamese: sau song sắt - trong tùKorean: 철창 신세 - 감옥에Turkish: parmaklıklar ardında - hapisteUrdu: سلاخوں کے پیچھے - جیل میںIndonesian: di balik jeruji besi - di penjara
Example Sentences
The thief is now behind bars.
basic
She spent ten years behind bars.
basic
He hopes never to end up behind bars.
basic
After the trial, they finally put him behind bars.
natural
"He's going to spend a long time behind bars," the officer said.
natural
Lots of people think justice means seeing the criminal behind bars.
natural