the ball and chain won't let me? what does this expression mean?

[Saneta]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #281 "English Slang Idioms (3)", question 4

"I can't go drinking with you guys. The ball and ......... won't let me. She wants me to stay home tonight," Ted told his friends.

(a) hammer
(b) bat
(c) goal posts
(d) chain

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #281 "English Slang Idioms (3)", answer 4

"I can't go drinking with you guys. The ball and chain won't let me. She wants me to stay home tonight," Ted told his friends.

Correct answer: (d) chain
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the ball and chain won't let me? what does this expression mean? thanks

[Kitosdad]

Good morning Saneta. "The ball and chain" jokingly refers to the man's wife. :) :)
(Inferring that he is a prisoner at home).

Kitos.
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[Kati Svaby]

1.[/b]The ball and chain (= the wife) won't let me.
2.I've got to get home to my ball and chain.(to my wife)
3. Mr. Franklin always referred to his wife as his ball and chain.(=his wife) (Inferring that he is a prisoner at home).
4. we can call "ball and chain"a special burden,a job
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