a ball and chain

Meaning

1. Oxford100% of films

   a problem that prevents you from doing what you would like to do

   Nina, I'm not gonna be a ball and chain.

In the movies · 2

• Nina, I'm not gonna be a ball and chain.In the Heights2021
• If my ball and chain ever talked to me... If she even dared to raise her...Sons of the Desert1933
• You always carried his memory like a ball and chain...Children of Men2006
• That's the old... That's the old ball and chain.The Other Guys2010

From the same entry

• the ball is in your court
• a ball of fire
• get the ball rolling
• have a ball
• have lot on the ball
• on the ball
• pick up the ball and run with it
• play ball
• the whole ball of wax
• carry the ball
• drop the ball
• keep your eye on the ball