a link in the chain

link in the chain

One of the steps, stages, or points in a development, process, or series of events. This new tram line is but one link in the chain of our greater plan to update the city's public transportation system. It was the deregulation of the market that proved to be the most crucial link in the chain of the eventual economic meltdown.
See also: chain, link
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a link in the ˈchain

one of the stages in a process or a line of argument: Many people believe that coming from a broken home may be one of the first links in the chain that eventually leads to a life of crime.
See also: chain, link
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • drive (one) out of office
  • force (one) out of office
  • force out of office
  • give (one) (one's) head
  • give head
  • give somebody their head
  • give someone their head
  • cooking for one
  • 1FTR
  • as one door closes, another one opens
References in classic literature
"Ah, yes--the so-called Porlock is a link in the chain some little way from its great attachment.
The Valley of Fear