What does “Move the goalposts” mean?
"Move the goalposts" means to change the rules or requirements of a situation or agreement in order to make it more difficult for someone to succeed.
What context can I use the in?
Example
They keep moving the goalposts on me, making it impossible to meet their expectations.
Example
The company moved the goalposts by adding additional requirements to the project.
Example
He always moves the goalposts whenever we're playing games, making it hard for anyone to win
Is “Move the goalposts” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Move the goalposts” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Move the goalposts” effectively in context?
You can use "Move the Goalposts" to describe a situation where someone changes the rules or requirements in order to make it harder for others to achieve their goals. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this phrase effectively:
- 1Work
After working hard to meet the initial project requirements, the boss suddenly moved the goalposts by adding additional tasks and deadlines.
- 2Relationships
He always moves the goalposts in their relationship, constantly changing his expectations and making it difficult for her to meet them.
- 3Sports
During the game, the opposing team kept moving the goalposts by changing the rules and making it challenging for their opponents to score.
Similar phrases to “Move the goalposts”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Move the goalposts” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Move the Goalposts" is derived from the game of football (soccer). In football, the goalposts are fixed and cannot be moved. However, in a figurative sense, the phrase refers to changing the rules or requirements of a situation or agreement to make it more difficult for someone to succeed. The phrase is believed to have originated in the mid-20th century.
Is “Move the goalposts” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Move the Goalposts" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to express frustration or unfairness when someone changes the rules or requirements of a situation to make it more difficult for others to succeed.
What tone does “Move the goalposts” have?
"Move the Goalposts" conveys a tone of frustration and unfairness. It is typically used to describe situations where someone is being manipulative or changing the rules to gain an advantage.
Can “Move the goalposts” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Move the Goalposts" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts, such as work, relationships, or sports. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'They keep moving the goalposts on me, making it impossible to meet their expectations.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'They always "move the goalposts"!' to express frustration.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- raise the bar
- change the rules
- shift the goalposts
- moving the finish line
- unfair advantage
Antonyms
- consistency
- transparency
- level playing field
- fair play
- clear expectations
