“Ball and Chain” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 15, 2024 by Liam Daniel

“Ball And Chain” is a phrase you’ll often hear in informal conversations and written texts. This reference explores its meaning, provides examples of its usage, and suggests other ways to express the same idea. You will gain insight into why this term is so prevalent and how it conveys different meanings in different contexts.

“Ball and Chain” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “ball and chain” is a colloquial expression that refers to a person’s spouse or romantic partner, typically implying that the relationship is constraining or limiting one’s freedom.
Ball And Chain
Ball and Chain – Created by 7ESL

“Ball And Chain” Meaning

The phrase “ball and chain” typically refers to a hindrance or burden that restricts freedom, often used in a metaphorical sense. It is commonly associated with the constraints of marriage or long-term relationships, suggesting that such commitments can feel like a limitation on one’s independence.

Examples:

  • “Ever since he got married, he jokes about his ball and chain keeping him from going out with the guys.”
  • “I feel like my job is my ball and chain; it’s hard to enjoy my free time when I’m always working.”

Origin of This Idiom

This saying comes from the literal ball and chain which used to be used to chain up prisoners. A heavy metal ball would be chained to the prisoners ankle, stopping them from being able to move very easily, if at all. The phrase can be dated back as far as the early 1800s when it was recorded for the idiomatic use we see today.

Usage of “Ball And Chain”

  • In a humorous context:

“He always jokes about his ball and chain whenever his wife makes plans for them on the weekend.”

  • Talking about the burdens of marriage:

“After hearing his complaints about his new responsibilities, I teased him by calling his wife his ball and chain.”

  • In a conversation about commitment:

“While some see marriage as a ball and chain, others view it as a partnership.”

  • In a light-hearted discussion:

“She said she’s ready to settle down, but she’s also worried about the ball and chain that comes with it.”

Related Terms to “Ball And Chain”

  • Anchor – something that restricts movement or progress; often implies being weighed down by responsibilities.
  • Shackles – literal restraints that limit freedom; used metaphorically to describe anything that confines or limits.
  • Millstone around one’s neck – a heavy burden or responsibility that hinders progress or freedom.
  • Weight on one’s shoulders – a term indicating a significant burden or responsibility that someone must bear.
  • Obligation – a duty or commitment that restricts freedom of choice.
  • Ties that bind – a phrase referring to commitments or responsibilities that keep someone tied to a particular situation.
  • Cumbersome commitment – a responsibility that is unwieldy or difficult to manage.
  • Heavy burden – a metaphor for significant responsibility or stress that someone is carrying.
  • Yoke – a term that refers to a burden or something that binds people together, often used in contexts of obligation or servitude.
  • Life sentence – a phrase implying a long-term commitment that feels restrictive, often used humorously in the context of marriage.

Other Ways to Say the Phrase

There are other words which can be used to express similar meaning to the useful idiom “ball and chain”. Some of these could be as follow.

  • Burden
  • Restriction
  • Hindrance

“Ball And Chain” Examples

The term “ball and chain” is most commonly used within a marital relationship, and usually towards the wife. A man might refer to his significant other as his “ball and chain” joking that being married is not that dissimilar to serving a prison sentence and being unable to live freely.

Example Sentences

  • The responsibility was a ball and chain around my ankle.
  • New technologies can turn from status symbol to ball and chain overnight.
  • This belief was like a ball and chain for the allied war effort.
  • The prisoner is fettered with a ball and chain attached to one ankle.
  • The lower-tech side of the business was seen as a ball and chain.
  • Free-floating ball and chain assembly designed to stop damage by livestock.

Conversation Examples

You will likely hear this term being used in conversation in an informal, joking manner. You might hear a conversation such as this one;

Conversation 1:

  • Person 1: Is Graham coming to the party tonight?
  • Person 2: No, his old ball and chain is making him stay at home.

Conversation 2:

  • Person 1: Do you want to come and watch the game with me?
  • Person 2: I’d love to but my wife wants me at home.
  • Person 1: You’re not going to let that ball and chain tell you what to do are you?
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