ball and chain

== English == === Pronunciation === === Noun === ball and chain (plural balls and chains) A heavy iron ball attached to a prisoner's leg by a chain as a means of restraint. Hypernyms: fetters, restraints Coordinate terms: shackles, manacles (slang, derogatory) One's spouse, especially a wife, as a symbol of restraint. Near-synonyms: other half (neutral valence), better half (positive valence) (figurative) Anything that restricts one's freedom or opportunities. ==== Translations ====