chain of command
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of chain of command
First recorded in 1910–15
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Cadets should live together, train together and take responsibility for one another under a cadet chain of command supervised by experienced military professionals.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026
Ma Moe San Pan's case highlights a grim mutation of the junta's mandatory conscription laws: mounting pressure from the higher levels of the regime has created perverse incentives further down the chain of command.
From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026
“His prescription contact lenses had expired,” Sidhar reported, “and he told his chain of command that he couldn’t even see what he was doing, and he was worried about causing accidents.”
From Salon ● Aug. 17, 2026
“When it takes months to reach decisions that make it down the chain of command and are stalled by paperwork.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026
Out of the darkness came the members of my chain of command, including my new “friend,” Sergeant Austin.
From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.