English Dictionary

move the chains

verb

(American football) 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.

The quarterback's completion moved the chains and kept the drive alive.

意味（1）

(American football) 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.

意味（2）

(American football, by extension) To convert a play that would result in said chains being moved.

意味（3）

(figuratively) To advance toward a goal.