move the goalposts
/ˌmuːv ðə ˈɡəʊlpəʊsts/INFORMAL · C1
Meaning
to change the rules unfairly once work has started
Examples
- 1The client moved the goalposts twice, and the deadline stayed the same.
- 2Examiners should not move the goalposts once revision has started.
- 3Every time we agree a budget, head office moves the goalposts again.
- 4Leo felt cheated when the landlord moved the goalposts days before the contract was signed.
- 5Are they moving the goalposts, or did we misread the original terms?
Grammar
Only the verb changes form, and shift replaces move with no change of meaning. Keep goalposts plural with the.
Similar in meaning
More idioms about work and careers
All 20 idioms and the topic quiz →get your foot in the doorto get a first opportunity in an organisation or fieldback to the drawing boardstarting to plan again after a failurehit the ground runningto start a new job working well straight awaya safe pair of handssomeone you can trust with an important jobcarry the canto take the blame for something that went wrongpull stringsto use your influence secretly to help someone
English Idioms400 idioms in 20 topics — with reviews that keep them from fading
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