in chains
Wearing iron restraints
In chains describes being physically bound with chains, as a prisoner or slave might be: The captives were led away in chains.
Figuratively, it means trapped or constrained by circumstances: a people in chains under a dictatorial regime.
The phrase emphasizes subjugation and loss of freedom.
- fettersAnkle restraints, often metal
- handcuffsLocking wrist restraints
- manaclesWrist shackles for prisoners
- servitudeCompulsory labor under masters
- shacklesMetal bonds for prisoners
iron bars · prison cell · leg irons · oppression · bondage · slave trade · human trafficking · stocks · enslavement · emancipation · resistance · captivity · imprisoned · freedom · liberation · set free · subjugation · dungeon
- captivitycaptive, prisoner, detained, imprisoned, incarcerated
in chainsunbound
Not tied down
unfettered · unshackled · unchained · free · unrestrained
in chainsfree
Without payment or restriction
liberated · emancipated · at liberty · free as a bird · freed
in chainsfree
Without payment or restriction
liberated · unburdened · unencumbered · unfettered · released
chain, chains, chained, unchained, chaining, supply chain, food chain, chain-link, ball and chain