move the chains

American football, Ball games, Football, Games, Hobbies, Lifestyle, Sports To alter the position of the device, a chain holding two sticks ten yards apart, used to initially determine the position of the line crossing which yields a first down for the offense, which may be moved by penalties or by the offense gaining a first down.

American football, Ball games, Football, Games, Hobbies, Lifestyle, Sports Broadly To convert a play that would result in said chains being moved.

Figuratively To advance toward a goal.