Protesters formed 'a human chain' [=they stood next to each other with their arms linked] around the ancient tree to prevent it from being cut down.
In the United States, the President as the commander in chief is at the head of the military 'chain of command'.
I thought he really won the lottery but he was only 'pulling my chain'. [=he was only playing a joke on me]
(..) Kowalski, initiate emergency disconnect from the Hubble. All right, Shariff, let's do this. - Roger, Matt. Houston, update. - Well, we have a full-on chain reaction. It's been confirmed that it's the unintentional side effect of the Russians striking one of their own satellites. (..)2013 Gravity
(..) Explorer, prep airlock. - Airlock engaged, ready to receive. - Houston, elaborate. Debris from the missile strike has caused a chain reaction, hitting other satellites and creating new debris. Traveling faster than a high-speed bullet up towards your altitude. All copy? (..)2013 Gravity