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Aug 16, 2023 · Learn the definition and usage of the colloquial term \"the old ball and chain\", which refers to a spouse in a negative or humorous way. Find out its historical roots, alternative expressions, and pop culture references.
Learn the meaning and usage of the jocular but disparaging term for a spouse or significant other who is thought to stifle the person. Find out the origin, synonyms, and examples of the old ball and chain expression.
Language.foundation Native Speaker. 5.61K subscribers. 3 views 1 month ago. ...more. 00:00 • Introduction - Unlocking the Meaning of "Old Ball and Chain"00:34 • Origin of the Phrase00:58...
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Learn the meaning and origin of the phrase \"ball and chain\", a 20th century slang term for wife. Find out how it relates to the actual ball and chain used to restrain prisoners in the 19th century.
2. a person's special burden; a job. (Prisoners sometimes were fettered with a chain attached to a leg on one end and to a heavy metal ball on the other.) Tom wanted to quit his job. He said he was tired of that old ball and chain. Mr. Franklin always referred to his wife as his ball and chain. See also: and, ball, chain.
Learn the meaning of ball and chain, an old-fashioned term for a spouse or a burden. See how to use it in sentences and find related words and entries.
The phrase likely originated in the early 20th century as a humorous metaphor, likening a burdensome spouse to a heavy, restraining ball and chain typically associated with prisoners. Synonyms the missus, the better half, the spouse
