I heard that it means "spouse (in a pejorative way) or a burden." But I read a sentence in a book as follows: "... I have decided not to grow up tame like the others who lay their necks on the threshold waiting for the ball and chain." What does it mean?
2006-09-09 13:58:01 · 11 answers · asked by bob 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
The "threshold" and "ball and chain" both refer to marriage. Traditionally, the groom carries the bride across the threshold. One's spouse has long been referred to as a "ball and chain", and you can see this reference in wedding paraphernalia that has a ball and chain motif.
In this case, the author states that he is trying to avoid marriage, seeing it as a pitfall, and obstacle to that which he desires, a life not tame.
2006-09-09 14:12:06 · answer #1 · answered by yellowcab208 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ball And Chain Idiom
2016-12-16 10:46:52 · answer #2 · answered by deibert 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means you have a chain attached with a ball(usually a heavy metal ball) and you are dragging it around. The words mean, he
has decide that he will not simply stand there and let someone chain him like others do. He will not grow up tame, meaning he
will fight wildly against it.
2006-09-09 14:06:40 · answer #3 · answered by Bethany 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The ball and chain was a way to keep prisoners from running away from chain gangs. It was a heavy steel ball with a chain that was cuffed to the persons ankle.
2006-09-09 14:02:12 · answer #4 · answered by Scott E 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pretty much the way you have described already; some men are ready to be married right away, have the wife and kids and house and responsibilities...and other guys are like the author here, not wanting to be tamed.
The threshold is a reference to getting married.
2006-09-09 14:01:15 · answer #5 · answered by merlin_steele 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The "ball and chain" is the one in control of the relationship.
2006-09-09 14:26:06 · answer #6 · answered by sheeny 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It probably was a midevil execution device sounds like they wrap a chain around your neck and then drop a heavy ball thats attached to make the chain break your neck.
2006-09-09 14:01:14 · answer #7 · answered by jokedrugs 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The character talking is saying there's more to life than just marriage. That she/he wants to actually live and do things rather than focus on settling down and making a successful family, etc. like everyone else.
2006-09-09 14:08:59 · answer #8 · answered by jisscimhere 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, ball and chain refers to somones spouse that they are "imprisoned" to. I believe that would mean that this character wants more than just a normal relationship or a mediocre one. He/she wants something special.
2006-09-09 14:02:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
it still means your spouse. the person was talking about how he or she will not be subject to them, unlike others who are so enamoured all they do all day is pine and long for their loved one.
2006-09-09 14:00:54 · answer #10 · answered by humdrum 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋