move the chains English

Meaning move the chains meaning

What does move the chains mean?

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.

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

— figuratively