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]
(..) Uh-huh. Fuck you, Percy. We'll get that looked at, Del. In the meantime, you stay quiet. Yeah. Yeah. I let Harry take those chains off you... ...you gonna be nice? Your name is John Coffey. Yes, sir, boss. Like the drink, only not spelt the same. (..)1999 The Green Mile