move the chains

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

move the chains (third-person singular simple present moves the chains, present participle moving the chains, simple past and past participle moved the chains)

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.
2. (American football, by extension) To convert a play that would result in said chains being moved.
3. (figuratively) To advance toward a goal.

• (figuratively): move the yardsticks