Understand the situation to decide if 'behind bars' means jail or a metaphorical restriction.

Context Matters

'Behind bars' is casual language, more common in spoken than formal written English.

Colloquial Usage

The phrase usually implies a person is imprisoned as consequences of their actions.

When used metaphorically, it conveys a strong sense of restriction and unhappiness.

Used metaphorically, it may exaggerate the severity of a situation, so use it carefully.