ball and chain

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

High prices have hobbled Americans with a ball and chain.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 15, 2025

Alito offered no comment on this one, not even giving reporters a perfunctory point of the finger toward the ol’ ball and chain.

From Slate • May 25, 2024

Mr. Pesce explained that, with its suggestion of a ball and chain, what was variously referred to as La Mamma, Big Mama, Donna, and the Up chair portrayed the subjugation of women.

From New York Times • Apr. 4, 2024

As time went on, Veasley said her pain became like a ball and chain that got heavier and heavier.

From Salon • Oct. 9, 2023

The moment the Tower came into view, a whole new weight added itself to the ball and chain of terror I was dragging behind me.

From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken