ball and chain

• Expression métaphorique désignant quelque chose qui restreint la liberté ou constitue un lourd fardeau. Dans le langage familier, elle peut aussi désigner avec humour un conjoint ou un partenaire perçu comme une entrave.

A metaphorical phrase referring to something that restricts freedom or is a heavy burden. In informal slang, it can also refer humorously to a spouse or partner, implying they are a hindrance.

1. Literal: Restraint deviceB2formal

   A heavy metal ball attached to a prisoner's ankle by a chain to prevent escape.

   Boulet et chaîne

   • The prisoner was forced to walk with a ball and chain.
   • In old prisons, inmates often wore a ball and chain.
   • The guard unlocked the ball and chain from the convict's leg.

2. Figurative: Burden or obligationB2informal

   Something that severely limits one's freedom or is a heavy burden.

   Boulet

   • He sees his job as a ball and chain, keeping him from traveling.
   • The mortgage became a ball and chain around their finances.
   • For some, marriage is unfairly described as a ball and chain.

3. Slang: SpouseC1slangamerican

   A derogatory slang term for one's wife or husband, implying they restrict freedom.

   Boulet conjugal

   • He joked that he couldn't stay out late because of the old ball and chain.
   • She complained that her ball and chain wouldn't let her buy a new car.
   • The comedian made a tired joke about his ball and chain at home.