ball and chain

noun

1. a heavy iron ball fastened by a chain to a prisoner's leg.

2. a burdensome restraint.

   The steady accumulation of small debts was a ball and chain to his progress.

3. Facetious Slang: Often Offensive.,  a person's spouse or romantic partner, especially a female.

ball and chain

noun

1. (formerly) a heavy iron ball attached to a chain and fastened to a prisoner

2. a heavy restraint

3. slang,  a wife

Sensitive Note

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ball and chain¹

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Related Words

• burden 
• encumbrance 
• hindrance 
• impediment 
• restriction