PhrasesHub

Move the goalposts

    Definitions

      • change the rules or expectations
        To alter the conditions of a situation or agreement in a way that makes it more difficult for someone to succeed or achieve their goal.

      • make something more difficult
        To change the requirements or standards of a task or challenge in a way that makes it harder for someone to successfully complete it.

      • shift the focus or goal
        To shift the focus or target of a plan or objective, often without warning or justification, causing confusion or frustration.

    Examples of Move the goalposts

    • The team lost the game, but they're trying to move the goalposts by claiming that the referee made a mistake.

      This idiom means to change the rules or criteria suddenly, in order to benefit oneself or one's team. In this example, the team is trying to change the outcome of the game by claiming that the referee made a mistake, which would mean that the goalposts (the rules) have been moved, and the team now has a better chance of winning.

    • The company promised to deliver the product by the end of the month, but they've moved the goalposts and now say it will be two months.

      This idiom is often used in business or work situations, where a deadline or promise is made, but then changed or moved. In this example, the company promised to deliver the product by the end of the month, but has now moved the goalposts and said it will take two months, which is a significant change and can cause problems for the customer or client.

    • The politician made a promise to the voters, but now they're moving the goalposts and saying that they meant something different.

      This idiom is often used in politics, where a candidate makes a promise to the voters, but then changes their position or interpretation of the promise. In this example, the politician made a promise to the voters, but is now moving the goalposts and saying that they meant something different, which can be frustrating and confusing for the voters.

    • The teacher set a high bar for the students, but now they're moving the goalposts and saying that the bar is too high.

      This idiom is often used in education, where a teacher sets a high standard or expectation for their students, but then changes their mind and says that the standard is too high. In this example, the teacher set a high bar for the students, but is now moving the goalposts and saying that the bar is too high, which can be demotivating and confusing for the students.

    • The athlete set a personal best, but now they're moving the goalposts and saying that the record is no longer valid.

      This idiom is often used in sports, where an athlete sets a personal best or record, but then changes their mind and says that the record is no longer valid. In this example, the athlete set a personal best, but is now moving the goalposts and saying that the record is no longer valid, which can be frustrating and confusing for the athlete and their fans.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "move the goalposts" is commonly used to describe a situation in which the rules or expectations are changed in a way that makes it more difficult for someone to succeed. This can apply to various scenarios, such as a sports game where the rules are changed in the middle of the match or a job where the requirements are constantly shifting. It can also be used to describe a person who is constantly changing their goals or focus, making it difficult for others to keep up or understand their intentions.

    In a broader sense, the idiom can also be used to refer to any situation where the conditions are suddenly altered, causing frustration or confusion. It can be used in a negative or critical way, implying that the person responsible for "moving the goalposts" is being unfair or manipulative.

    Origin of "Move the goalposts"

    The origin of this idiom is believed to come from the game of football (soccer), where the goalposts were originally placed at the ends of the field. However, in the late 19th century, the goalposts were moved to the back of the end zone, making it more difficult for players to score. This change in the rules sparked the use of the phrase "moving the goalposts" as a metaphor for changing the conditions of a situation to make it harder for someone to achieve their goal.

    The idiom has since been used in various contexts beyond sports, and it is now commonly used in everyday language to describe any situation where the rules or expectations are changed unexpectedly. It is often used in a negative or critical way, suggesting that the person responsible is being unfair or manipulative.