Pull the chain

Pull the chain is an expression still heard although, in toilets, there are seldom any chains to pull! The cistern used to be above the toilet, fixed on to the wall - it was probably at least 6' (or getting close to a couple of metres) off the ground.  In order to flush the toilet, a chain attached to the arm of the cistern was pulled which resulted in a satisfying surge of water through the toilet pan. No water saving dual flush. At the end of the chain was often a ceramic or wood handle and these are still seen on some light pulls (I wonder if the users know what they were originally).