ball and chain (English, noun)
expansion: ball and chain (plural balls and chains)
Senses:
glosses: A heavy iron ball attached to a prisoner's leg by a chain as a means of restraint.
glosses: One's wife, as a symbol of restraint.
tags: derogatory
slang
glosses: Anything that restricts one's freedom or opportunities.
tags: figuratively
Forms:
form: balls and chains
tags: plural