Meaning & use
in fetters
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phraseliterary
Physically bound with chains or shackles around the ankles.
Grammar: Used after a verb such as be, hold, or keep: The prisoner was held in fetters.
Patterns
- be in fetters
- hold someone in fetters
- keep someone in fetters
The captured soldiers were kept in fetters in a stone cell.
In the old story, the giant was held in fetters at the bottom of the sea.
phrasefixed phrasefigurativeliterary
Restricted or controlled by something that limits freedom.
Grammar: Used figuratively after verbs like be, feel, or remain: The press remains in fetters.
Patterns
- be in fetters
- remain in fetters
- free someone from in fetters
The new law left the media in fetters.
She felt in fetters in a job that allowed no creativity.
Common combinations
- held in fetters
- The rebel leader was held in fetters for months.
- kept in fetters
- The prisoners were kept in fetters day and night.
- in fetters of
- The country was in fetters of debt.
Synonyms and how they differ
- in chains
- More common in everyday English and used both literally and figuratively.
- shackled
- An adjective meaning bound with metal rings; it describes the person, not the state.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: in fetters or in feathers?
in fetters vs in feathers
A different phrase meaning covered with feathers; it sounds similar but has no connection with chains.
Practice
The prisoners were held ___ for three weeks.
Choose one answer.
The fixed phrase is 'in fetters', meaning bound with chains. The other prepositions do not form this idiom.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “in fetters”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.