ball and chain


noun

a heavy iron ball fastened by a chain to a prisoner's leg.
a burdensome restraint: The steady accumulation of small debts was a ball and chain to his progress.
Facetious Slang: Often Offensive. a person's spouse or romantic partner, especially a female.

Origin of ball and chain

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

usage note for ball and chain

In the meaning “romantic partner,” this term is consciously used for humorous or playful effect. But it is often perceived as insulting, implying that the partner is a burden or restriction on the other partner.

Words nearby ball and chain

British Dictionary definitions for ball and chain

ball and chain

noun

(formerly) a heavy iron ball attached to a chain and fastened to a prisoner
a heavy restraint
slang a wife

Idioms and Phrases with ball and chain

ball and chain

A burden and restraint, as in Karen regarded her job as a ball and chain, but she needed the money. The term, dating from the early 1800s, alludes to chaining a heavy iron ball to a prisoner's leg. Later it was transferred to other kinds of restraining burden.