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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 in onmove outmove heaven and earthmove one's bodyto move mountainsmove upmove in onmove upmove the goal poststouch-move rulemove onmove through the gearsmove housemove the yardsticks

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    "move the goalposts." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/move-the-goalposts_5424>.

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