ball and chain

What is the origin of the idiom "ball and chain" and when to use it?

The idiom "ball and chain" has its origin in the practices of the criminal justice system, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. In those times, prisoners were often physically restrained by chains or iron balls attached to their ankles as a means of preventing escape. This literal ball and chain served as a symbol of imprisonment and restriction. It is often used when discussing personal experiences, particularly in the realm of romantic relationships, to convey a sense of feeling tied down or limited by a partner.