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move the goalposts

To alter the agreed basis, scope, standards or target of a procedure or task during its course, especially to do so to someone's advantage.

Etymology:

  • A metaphor of British origin derived from association football, from the idea that it is difficult for a player to kick the ball into the goal if it is moved.
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Submitted on September 01, 2009

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Nearby phrases

Some more phrases from our dictionary similar to move the goalposts

move inmove the yardsticksmove forwardmove housetouch-move rulemove forwardmove heaven and earthmove through the gearsmove in onmove the goal postsmove in onmove upmove upmove it

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