Move the chains
Meaning
To make significant, sustained progress towards a goal, often by achieving smaller, incremental steps.
Origin
In the gritty early days of American football, officials didn't just eye progress; they measured it with actual chains. When a team gained ten yards—a crucial "first down"—the two poles connected by a ten-yard chain were physically lifted and repositioned further down the field. This literal act of "moving the chains" signaled tangible progress, a renewal of opportunity, and a step closer to the end zone. The phrase soon escaped the gridiron, becoming a universal metaphor for any sustained effort that propels a venture forward, translating the game's relentless pursuit of yardage into the drive for real-world achievement.
Examples
- After months of stalled negotiations, the new proposal finally helped the team move the chains on the contract.
- We need to keep innovating and delivering new features if we want to move the chains against our competitors.