move the goalposts

move the goalposts
move/shift/the goalposts phrase
to change the rules and make it difficult for people to achieve something or to know what to do

Problems arise when people are shifting the goalposts and objectives are not clear.

Thesaurus: to cause problems for someone or somethingsynonym
Main entry: goalpost

* * *

I
unfairly alter the conditions or rules of a procedure during its course
II

* * *

move, etc. the ˈgoalposts idiom
(BrE, informal, disapproving) to change the rules for sth, or conditions under which it is done, so that the situation becomes more difficult for sb

•

I manage to get on top of the job, and then they move the goalposts again.

Main entry: ↑goalpostidiom

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • move the goalposts — When people move the goalposts, they change the standards required for something to their advantage …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • move the goalposts — ► move the goalposts unfairly alter the conditions or rules of a procedure during its course. Main Entry: ↑goalpost …   English terms dictionary

  • move the goalposts —    When people move the goalposts, they change the standards required for something to their advantage.   (Dorking School Dictionary)    ***    During a course of action, if someone moves the goalposts they change the rules or conditions.     Our …   English Idioms & idiomatic expressions

  • Move the goalposts —   When people move the goalposts, they change the standards required for something to their advantage …   Dictionary of English idioms

  • move the goalposts — British, American & Australian, American to change the rules in a situation in a way that is not fair, usually in order to make it more difficult for someone to achieve something. My boss is never satisfied. Whenever I think I ve done what he… …   New idioms dictionary

  • move the goalposts — verb to alter the agreed basis, scope, standards or target of a procedure or task during its course, especially to do so to someones advantage …   Wiktionary

  • move the goalposts — unfairly alter the conditions or rules of a procedure during its course. → goalpost …   English new terms dictionary

  • move/shift the goalposts — Brit : to change the rules or requirements in a way that makes success more difficult • • • Main Entry: ↑goalpost …   Useful english dictionary

  • shift the goalposts — To alter the rules of a game, conditions of an agreement, etc unfairly after proceedings have begun, or the agreement has been entered into ● goal * * * move/shift/the goalposts phrase to change the rules and make it difficult for people to… …   Useful english dictionary

  • move — move1 W1S1 [mu:v] v ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 1¦(change place)¦ 2¦(new house/office)¦ 3¦(change opinion etc)¦ 4¦(progress)¦ 5¦(take action)¦ 6¦(change job/class etc)¦ 7¦(emotion)¦ 8¦(cause somebody to do something)¦ 9¦(time/order)¦ …   Dictionary of contemporary English

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