idiom
Move the Goalposts
moov thuh GOLE-posts
muːv ðə ˈɡəʊl.pəʊstsListen
Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.
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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