ball and chain
Americannoun
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a heavy iron ball fastened by a chain to a prisoner's leg.
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a burdensome restraint.
The steady accumulation of small debts was a ball and chain to his progress.
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Facetious Slang: Often Offensive. a person's spouse or romantic partner, especially a female.
noun
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(formerly) a heavy iron ball attached to a chain and fastened to a prisoner
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a heavy restraint
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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.
Etymology
Origin of ball and chain
An Americanism dating back to 1825–35
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
High prices have hobbled Americans with a ball and chain.
From MarketWatch ● Dec. 15, 2025
Alito offered no comment on this one, not even giving reporters a perfunctory point of the finger toward the ol’ ball and chain.
From Slate ● May 25, 2024
Mr. Pesce explained that, with its suggestion of a ball and chain, what was variously referred to as La Mamma, Big Mama, Donna, and the Up chair portrayed the subjugation of women.
From New York Times ● Apr. 4, 2024
As time went on, Veasley said her pain became like a ball and chain that got heavier and heavier.
From Salon ● Oct. 9, 2023
Tally took the river down the mountain carefully, the extra weight swaying below her like a ball and chain around both ankles.
From "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
