As a language expert with a deep understanding of idiomatic expressions, I can explain the phrase "the old ball and chain" for you.

The phrase "the old ball and chain" is an idiomatic expression that refers to one's spouse, particularly when the speaker is expressing a sense of being tied down or restricted by the responsibilities of marriage. The term is often used humorously or in a self-deprecating manner to convey a sense of resignation to the obligations that come with being married.

Here's the translation:

“老夫老妻”这个短语是一个成语，用来指代某人的配偶，特别是当说话者表达出因婚姻责任而感到束缚或受限的感觉时。这个术语通常以幽默或自嘲的方式使用，以传达对婚姻带来的义务的无奈感。

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What's the origin of the phrase 'Ball and chain'? The allusion being to the presumption that a man's wife held him back from doing the things he really wanted to. This, of course, refers back to the actual ball and chain, which was a heavy metal ball secured to a prisoner's leg by means of a chain and manacle.read more >>