behind bars

The expression behind bars is one of the idioms that often finds a place in our literature and enriches our language. However, its meaning is not fully understood, so it is sometimes used in the wrong situations. Please review the explanation carefully for the correct use of the behind bars idiom.

Meaning of "behind bars"

Meaning

The idiom "behind bars" generally refers to a person being incarcerated, either in prison, jail, or some other form of correctional facility. It is typically used in the context of someone committing a crime or being sentenced to prison time. It is often used metaphorically to describe someone's confinement to a place of restriction, such as by referencing the use of a 'straightjacket'.

Etymology

The phrase "behind bars" originated in the 18th century and was used to refer to the confinement of prisoners to their cells or the prison. The phrase was likely derived from the jails and prisons of the day which were surrounded by large, barred walls and gates. The bars served to keep the prisoners confined and limited their mobility. The phrase was quickly adopted to denote a state of confinement and gradually expanded to include other forms of restriction and imprisonment.

Usage

The phrase "behind bars" is typically used to describe someone who has been incarcerated for some criminal act. The phrase can be used in a literal sense, such as when a person is convicted of a crime and sentenced to prison, or in a figurative sense, such as when someone is held back from doing something or is blocked from achieving a goal. It can also be used to describe someone's confinement within an institution or a place of restriction, or as an allusion to mental health or addiction issues, as in being "locked up" in one's own mind.

Example Sentences

• John was found guilty of the crime and was sent behind bars.
• The oppressive government held its citizens behind bars and denied them freedom.
• She felt like she was stuck behind bars, unable to achieve her dreams.
• He felt like he was being held behind bars in his own mind, unable to break free.

The power of idioms transcends languages!

"Putting the cart before the horse" is an English idiom that means doing things in the wrong order. In Russian, the similar idiom is "Кладёт колесо впереди лошади," which translates to "Putting the cart before the horse." This idiom emphasizes the idea that doing things in the wrong order can lead to confusion and problems down the line.