move the goalposts

Значение

to change the rules unfairly once work has started

Нечестно менять условия, когда работа уже идёт.

Примеры

1. 1The client moved the goalposts twice, and the deadline stayed the same.
2. 2Examiners should not move the goalposts once revision has started.
3. 3Every time we agree a budget, head office moves the goalposts again.
4. 4Leo felt cheated when the landlord moved the goalposts days before the contract was signed.
5. 5Are they moving the goalposts, or did we misread the original terms?

Грамматика

Форму меняет только глагол, причём shift заменяет move без изменения смысла. goalposts всегда во множественном числе и с the.

Похожие по смыслу