The term, 'Ball and Chain' can have a positive or negative connotation - from a jokey, not serious at all complaint of not being able to do anything or go any where you want without your partner to the days of slavery where a Ball and Chain was used to stop slaves literally running away. The ball weighed something in the region of 8kg (18lbs) with the chain a mere 90cm (35") in length - a major restraint.
