ClearCommunicationApp

Workplace

Move the goalposts

When requirements keep changing unfairly

Literal Meaning

To relocate the structure that serves as a target for a goal, such as in sports

Actual Meaning

To change the criteria or targets after work has begun

Examples in Context

Employee: 'They keep moving the goalposts.' (Translation: The targets keep changing)

Helpful Tips

Phrase Thesaurus

Similar words and synonyms for this phrase

change the rules

shift the standards

alter the criteria

modify the expectations

Related Phrases

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Business as usual

All hat, no cattle