Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

a-ball-and-chain

noun

/ə ˈbɔl ənd tʃeɪn/

Definition

A ball and chain are a type of restraint historically used to imprison convicted individuals. In a colloquial sense, it refers to a burdensome obligation or a controlling partner, often in a humorous tone.

Examples

After getting married, he jokingly referred to his wife as his ‘ball and chain.’
Many people feel their job becomes a ball and chain, preventing them from pursuing their dreams.

Meaning

The phrase signifies something or someone that restricts freedom or limits one’s ability to act independently, often describing a relationship or commitment that feels constricting.