ball and chain

noun

: something that limits one's freedom or ability to do things

Drugs are a ball and chain for many people.

(old-fashioned) He referred to his wife as "the ball and chain."

Examples of ball and chain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The substance that once was euphoric becomes a proverbial ball and chain. — Emma Fenske, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026

The old ball and chain The first issue is that the game, although functional in most of its action, is clunky. — Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2025

Cai focuses on their many regrets and misgivings, not to mention all the guilt weighing on Meiyun, who carries that load around like a giant emotional ball and chain. — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019

Rhymes for ball and chain

• aeroplane
• appertain
• ascertain
• capitaine
• cassegrain
• cellophane
• chatelaine
• counterpane
• entertain
• halothane
• hurricane
• hyperplane