put (one) behind bars

put (one) behind bars

To arrest and hold one in prison; to sentence one to serve time in prison. I heard that they put Mike's uncle behind bars for robbing a liquor store! The cops put our son behind bars on a charge of drunk driving, so we have to go down to the station to bail him out.
See also: bar, behind, put
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • be put behind bars
  • send (one) up the river
  • send someone up the river
  • send up the river
  • make bail
  • behind bars
  • good time
  • don't drop the soap!
  • at Her Majesty's pleasure
  • lifer