in bond—(of goods) stored in a customs warehouse until duties are paid:
- A merchant may not wish to sell immediately the goods he imports, he is therefore permitted to place them in bond.
Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase on bond—used of smb. released on bail:
- O’Brien has remained free on bond during the appeals process.
in bonds—
1. having one’s feet or hands fettered:
- He stood now before them in bonds, at their mercy and devotion as they say.
2. held in captivity as a prisoner:
- This is an opportune time for us to remember the many thousands of our fellow believers who are still in bonds.