idiom

Move the Goalposts

moov thuh GOLE-posts

muːv ðə ˈɡəʊl.pəʊsts

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Syllable breakdown

movetheGOALposts

Dictionary meaning

To change the rules, criteria, or standards of success unfairly during a process, making it harder for others to achieve the original goal.

Examples

Every time we met their requirements, they moved the goalposts.
The board moved the goalposts on what constituted a successful quarter.

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