PhrasesHub

Ball and chain

    Definitions

      • describe a burden or hindrance
        Refer to a person, situation, or thing that is holding someone back or making their life difficult, usually used in a negative context

      • describe a restrictive or controlling relationship
        Represent a partner or spouse who is overly controlling or demanding, often used to emphasize the feeling of being trapped or confined in the relationship

      • describe a long-term commitment or responsibility
        Describe a significant and enduring commitment or responsibility, often used in a negative context to imply that the commitment is burdensome or difficult to escape from

    Examples of Ball and chain

    • Ever since she got that loan, it's been like a ball and chain around her neck.

      The loan is a significant burden to her, similar to how a literal ball and chain would be cumbersome and restrict one's movements.

    • His outdated computer has become a ball and chain, preventing him from finishing his work efficiently.

      The old computer is slowing him down and hindering his productivity, just as a ball and chain would physically impede someone.

    • I'd love to travel more, but my current job is a real ball and chain.

      The job is limiting the person's freedom to travel, metaphorically acting as a constraint or shackle.

    • The terms of the contract felt like a ball and chain, making it hard for the company to adapt.

      The contract's terms are restrictive and inflexible, symbolically acting as a weight that prevents easy movement.

    • Though talented, the young artist's lack of confidence was a ball and chain to her success.

      Her lack of confidence is a significant obstacle to achieving success, much like a ball and chain would be an impediment.

    • The constant repairs on his old car turned it into a ball and chain that drained his finances.

      The car requires frequent and costly repairs, thus it's a financial burden akin to carrying around a heavy weight.

    • He finally got rid of that ball and chain by paying off his credit card debt.

      Clearing his debt removed the burden it imposed, similar to how one would feel relief from removing a heavy weight.

    • Their relationship became a ball and chain when their goals no longer aligned.

      The relationship is now holding each person back from pursuing individual goals, likened to the constricting nature of a ball and chain.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "ball and chain" is commonly used to describe a burden, hindrance, or restrictive relationship. It can refer to a person, situation, or responsibility that is perceived as holding someone back or making their life difficult. This phrase is often used in a negative context to emphasize the feeling of being trapped or confined.

    The most common use of "ball and chain" is to describe a restrictive or controlling relationship, usually between spouses or romantic partners. It evokes the image of a heavy iron ball attached to a prisoner's ankle, symbolizing the feeling of being constrained and unable to escape. In this context, the idiom highlights the negative aspects of the relationship and the perceived lack of freedom or autonomy.

    However, "ball and chain" can also be used to describe any long-term commitment or responsibility that is perceived as burdensome or difficult to escape from. This can include a job, a financial obligation, or any other significant and enduring commitment. In these cases, the idiom emphasizes the weight and permanence of the responsibility, likening it to a heavy ball that one must continually carry.

    Origin of "Ball and chain"

    The origin of the idiom "ball and chain" can be traced back to the 18th century, when it was commonly used to refer to a heavy iron ball that was attached to a prisoner's ankle to prevent them from escaping. This literal meaning of the phrase is still used in a literal sense in some contexts, such as describing a prisoner's chains or restraints.

    However, the figurative use of the idiom to describe a burden or hindrance is believed to have originated in the early 19th century. It is thought to have been popularized by the novel "Tom Jones" by Henry Fielding, published in 1749, in which the protagonist is described as being "chained to a dowdy" or "ball and chain" by his controlling and unattractive wife.

    Over time, the idiom has become a common expression in everyday language, used to describe various forms of burdens, restrictions, and responsibilities. Its origin in the literal use of a heavy iron ball attached to a prisoner's ankle has given it a powerful and vivid imagery that continues to resonate with people today.