move the chains
Get first down
Move the chains is a football expression meaning to gain enough yards for a first down, advancing the measuring chains that mark the line to gain.
Figuratively, it means making meaningful progress toward a goal: We need to move the chains on this project before the deadline.
The phrase emphasizes incremental advancement rather than dramatic breakthroughs.
Renewed offensive possession
- yardageLength in yards
- conversionAct of changing states
- down markerFootball field placement sign
- fourth downFootball's final attempt
drive · offense · snap · possession · quarterback · running back · offensive line · handoff
Move or progress forward
- momentumProduct of mass, velocity
- headwayForward progress achieved
- breakthroughSudden important advance
- forward motionMovement toward the front
grinding · persistence · incremental · systematic · steady · methodical · step-by-step · gains
first down
Renewed offensive possession
- yardageLength in yards
- conversionAct of changing states
- down markerFootball field placement sign
fourth down · drive · offense · snap · possession · quarterback · running back · offensive line · handoff · play action
advance
Move or progress forward
- momentumProduct of mass, velocity
- headwayForward progress achieved
- breakthroughSudden important advance
forward motion · grinding · persistence · incremental · systematic · steady · methodical · step-by-step · gains · traction
move the chainspunt
Kick before landing
stall out · get stuffed · fumble · go backwards · fourth down
move the chainsstall
Enclosed compartment or delay
stagnate · go nowhere · lose ground · hit a wall · regress
move, moves, moved, moving, mover, movers, movement, movements, movable