ball and chain
noun
1- a heavy metal ball secured by a chain to the leg of a prisoner to prevent escape（用铁链将沉重金属球缚于犯人腿上以防逃跑的）球镣。
1.1
- used in similes and metaphors to convey the idea that someone or something is a crippling encumbrance用于明喻或暗喻障碍; 累赘：
the ball and chain of debt.
债务牵累。