chain of command

Related to chain of command: Span of control, Unity of Command

chain of command

The hierarchy of people with authority in a particular setting or situation. I know I can't complain to the CEO directly, but there must be someone in the chain of command that I can talk to!
See also: chain, command, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

chain of command

Fig. the series or sequence of holders of responsibility in a hierarchy. The only way to get things done in the military is to follow the chain of command. Never try to go straight to the top.
See also: chain, command, of
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • bring (someone) to heel
  • bring someone to heel
  • bring to heel
  • call (someone) to heel
  • catch a tiger by the tail
  • can't take the heat
  • be in the right spot at the right time
  • start out at (something or some place)
  • start out at an amount of money
  • start off at (something or some place)
References in periodicals archive
Instead of pointing fighters, Honasan wanted to fine tune the institutionalization of the chain of command to prevent botched operations in the future.
'The violation of chain of command warrants strict disciplinary action against the two deputy commissioners,' a senior official said.
Since the two branches merge at the COMAFFOR, the chain of command for AFFOR below the COMAFFOR (including subordinate Air Force commanders) comes from a single point.
Here, the allegation of criminal negligence merited investigation because the Canadian Forces may have owed a fiduciary duty toward Stuart Langridge, the LdSH chain of command knew that Stuart was suicidal, and the LdSH failed to provide care to Stuart Lmgridge, which led to his suicide.
Much as this may not be your employer's policy, I say just do it and let your chain of command catch up with you later, after you have saved lives.
"It was not just those responsible for planting the IED that caused his death, but a culture of complacency and a disregard for every soldier's safety that reached right up the chain of command.
A statement said that the findings and conclusions were forwarded to the Department through the chain of command and the results have also been shared with the Pakistani and Afghan governments, as well as key NATO leadership.
(res.) Dan Si'on says new chain of command places IDF soldiers under Attorney-General's command and ties their hands.http://a7.org/pictures/284/284791.jpg' style="float:right;" />]]>
"Yet it retains the responsibility of the chain of command. It doesn't undercut the chain of command in any way."
The PEOs pulled the program management function out of the AMC framework and created a separate chain of command for program managers.
ALL PERSONNEL WHO SIGN CONTAINER INSPECTION FORMS, DA 2404S OR OTHER SERVICE MAINTENANCE SHEETS MUST BE APPOINTED IN WRITING BY THE ACTIVITY, UNIT COMMANPER OR A DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE, WHO IS USUALLY THE FIRST 0-5 IN THE CHAIN Of COMMAND.
Changes: Places the authority to separate enlisted personnel under Chapter 15, Discharge for Homosexual Conduct, with a General Officer commander in the Soldier's chain of command, of equal grade or senior to the commander initiating a fact-finding inquiry or separation.
The source added that General Kiir is also expected to retire a number of army generals in the chain of command as he retires and looks for a close and loyal officer to him to head the military Command Council.
(11.20pm) Freamon goes around the chain of command while searching for the missing bodies.
When I refer a complaint to the chain of command they are put under a legal duty to keep me informed.