bars of the cage

USAGE SUMMARY

"bars of the cage" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in a variety of contexts. For example, "The monkey clung to the bars of the cage, its eyes wide with fear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Mid-leap, the shark slaps against the bars of the cage, entering and thrashing while Mr. Chan is trapped inside.

The New York Times

"You are a mallow monster - yes," said Sarah in a high-pitched baby voice as she hands a marshmallow through the bars of the cage.

The Guardian

Fahmy, a dual Canadian-Egyptian national, clung to the bars of the cage as he was pulled away by police, shouting: "They'll pay for this.

The Guardian

He said: "If you do not handle your vacuum cleaner correctly, you may end up inhaling the hamster - the budgerigar through the bars of the cage.

Independent

Some lie on their backs in the tiny enclosures, unable even to stretch out; others loll their heads or chew listlessly at the bars of the cage in tortured, repetitive motions.

The Washington Post

I had no control at all". Mr Currie tried to steady himself by grabbing the bars of the cage, even though doing so put him within inches of the shark's mouth.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Climbing: putting one or two front legs on the horizontal bars of the cages.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

After weaning, NS-specific Txnrd1 null mice were incapable of reaching food pellets in the wire bar of the cage.

Plosone

At middle-age there is even another severe test CAGE OF DEATH IN A LONELY PASS If one could peer through the bars of this cage there would be seen a little rubbish on the floor of it.

Vice

All excreta dropped through the bars of the wire cage and could easily be collected from the floor of the lower cage, which was completely covered with filter paper that immediately absorbed the urine.

Plosone

Algorar sniggered as he bent the bars of the diving cage and mauled the man.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "bars of the cage", consider the emotional impact you want to create. It can represent physical confinement, but also metaphorical restrictions or limitations.

Common error

Avoid using "bars of the cage" too frequently as a metaphor for abstract concepts. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound cliché. Instead, seek more specific and nuanced imagery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bars of the cage" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by specifying a location or condition. It can depict literal confinement or represent abstract limitations, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bars of the cage" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, according to Ludwig AI. It functions as a prepositional phrase, commonly used to describe confinement or restriction, both literally and metaphorically. While not extremely frequent, it appears in a variety of contexts, particularly in news, wiki and scientific sources. When using this phrase, consider the emotional impact you want to create and avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts. As Ludwig examples show, the phrase helps in creating a strong image of confinement, captivity and the limitations that these conditions place on individuals or animals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

behind cage bars

Reorders the phrase and emphasizes the confinement aspect.

through the bars of a cage

Adds a sense of perspective, indicating observation from outside.

within the confines of the cage

Uses a more formal tone, focusing on the limitations imposed by the cage.

enclosed within the cage

Emphasizes the state of being surrounded and trapped.

imprisoned in a cage

Highlights the idea of captivity and loss of freedom.

restricted by the cage's bars

Focuses on the restrictive function of the bars.

looking out from the cage

Highlights a perspective of observation from the inside.

observing from within the cage

Emphasizes the act of watching while being confined.

confined by the cage

Focuses on the act of limiting the movement.

held within the cage

Underlines the state of being contained or restrained.

FAQs

How can I use "bars of the cage" in a sentence?

You can use "bars of the cage" to describe literal confinement, as in "The lion paced behind the bars of the cage", or to represent metaphorical restrictions, such as "He felt trapped by the bars of the cage he had built for himself".

What's a more vivid alternative to "bars of the cage"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "confines of the cage", "prison bars", or "boundaries of captivity" to create a stronger image.

Is it always appropriate to use "bars of the cage" metaphorically?

While "bars of the cage" can be effective as a metaphor, it's important to consider your audience and the specific context. Overusing it or applying it inappropriately can weaken your writing. Ensure the metaphor enhances, rather than detracts from, your message.

How does the phrase "bars of the cage" differ from "behind bars"?

While both relate to confinement, "bars of the cage" specifically refers to the physical structure of a cage, whereas "behind bars" is a more general idiom for imprisonment. The former can be literal or metaphorical, while the latter is almost always metaphorical.