a link in the chain

/ɐ lˈɪŋk ɪnðə tʃˈeɪn/

[phrase]

a link in the chain

[PHRASE]

one of the steps, stages, or points involved in a process or argument

Examples

1. First, the disclosure is not incriminating because it is not evidence and it does not form a link in the chain of evidence by virtue of authorizing a search.

2. A sequence of characters like 1, 2, 3, A, B, C does not generate leads for the government and does not form part of the government's case, nor does it form a link in the chain of evidence, just because it permits the government to search the cellphone.

3. It was a link in the chain of French military strategy in the 2nd half of the 19th century: to expand from the west coast of Africa up the Senegal valley in order to dominate the middle Niger valley, including the fabled desert-side city of Timbuktu, and link French West African territories to those in North Africa.