English

A ball and chain on display at the Sagalunds Museum in Kimitoön, Finland

Noun

ball and chain ‎(plural balls and chains)

1. A heavy iron ball attached to a prisoner's leg by a chain as a means of restraint.
   • 1990, Mike Ness (songwriter), Social Distortion (band), “Ball and Chain”:

     Take away this ball and chain.

2. (slang) One's wife, as a symbol of restraint.