phrase
General Slang
moving the chains
MOO-ving thuh CHAYNZ · phrase · informal
Getting a first down.
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Definitions
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Gaining a first down, which requires the chain crew to reset the 10-yard chains to a new spot.
“They kept moving the chains with short passes and controlled the clock.”
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moving the chains In A Sentence
They kept moving the chains with short passes and controlled the clock.
Origin & Usage
American football; refers to the physical first-down chains carried by the chain gang.
Variants
move the chains
People Also Ask
What does 'moving the chains' mean in football?
It means gaining a first down, which forces the sideline chain crew to move their 10-yard chains forward to a new spot.
Why is it called moving the chains?
Because a first-down measurement uses a physical set of poles linked by a 10-yard chain, and a new first down means the crew literally moves it downfield.
Is moving the chains good?
Yes. Consistently moving the chains keeps drives alive, sustains possession, and eats up game clock.
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