A ball and chain

usgb
noun

Heavy metal ball attached to a chain and fastened around a prisoner's feet to prevent escape.

The prisoner was attached to a ball and chain, making escape almost impossible.
Visual representation of "a ball and chain" - Heavy metal ball attached to a chain and fastened around a prisoner's feet to prevent escape.
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "a ball and chain"
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Literal Meaning

Understand it refers to a physical restraint used in prisons historically.

Illustration for Literal Meaning
Museum displays often include old ball and chain devices.
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Not Contemporary

Rarely used in a modern context except to explain old punishment methods.

Illustration for Not Contemporary
The tour guide showed us a replica ball and chain from the 1800s.
Visual representation of the word "A ball and chain"

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