Behind bars

Meaning

The idiom "behind bars" is used to describe someone who has been imprisoned or confined, usually for a long period of time. It can also be used figuratively to refer to someone who has been restricted or limited in their freedom of expression or action.

Usage

• The journalist was jailed for reporting on government corruption "behind bars."
• The protester was arrested and released "behind bars" for attending a peaceful demonstration.
• The celebrity's personal life has been put "behind bars" by the media after a scandal emerged.
• The scientist was forced to keep her research "behind bars" due to government restrictions on the topic.
• The athlete was given a time-out and was told to "step back behind bars" for breaking team rules during a game.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom is uncertain, but it may have stemmed from the idea of prisoners being kept in enclosed spaces, such as cells or cages. Over time, the phrase has come to be used more broadly to refer to anyone who has been restricted in their movement or freedom of expression. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the use of this idiom, particularly with regard to the censorship and suppression of dissenting voices in various parts of the world.

Synonyms in English

• Imprisoned
• Constrained
• Limited
• Restricted
• Subdued

Synonyms in other languages

• 狱獄 (Japanese) - A prison or jail where people are confined for a long period of time.
• رائع الصفحة (Arabic) - Someone who has been censored or restricted from expressing themselves freely.
• بطالقين (Persian) - To be imprisoned or put under house arrest.
• خาزنده (Farsi) - A person who is restricted in their ability to own property or conduct business.
• تحريرو اللغة (Spanish) - To free up the language, usually referring to efforts to remove censorship or restrictions on speech.

Similar Idioms

• bundle of nerves

• by all means

• bad egg