move the goalposts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "move the goalposts" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means changing the rules or expectations in a way that is unfair or disadvantageous to someone. Example: The company kept moving the goalposts for the employees, making it impossible for them to reach their targets and earn bonuses.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

They didn't cheat or move the goalposts.

The Economist

The trick, therefore, may be to move the goalposts.

The Guardian - Sport

"Next year they will probably move the goalposts again, and again and again".

The Guardian

The BNP's Walker said: "I hope they aren't going to try and move the goalposts.

The Guardian

He said: "The Conservative party are perfectly free for their own reasons to move the goalposts".

The Guardian

As people age, they tend to move the goalposts that mark out major life stages.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

He tries to "move the goalpost" from dog training to groceries.

The New York Times

And so the airlines will move the goalpost.

Vice

The question is would a firing of the Saturday Night type move the goalpost and change that?

Vice

Shell was heavily criticised by shareholders for "moving the goalposts" at a stormy annual meeting in The Hague today.

The Guardian - Business

"He's moved the goalposts somewhat".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "move the goalposts", ensure the context clearly indicates that the changes are unfair or detrimental to someone. If the changes are perceived as positive or necessary adjustments, consider using alternative phrases like "adapt the strategy".

Common error

Avoid using "move the goalposts" when the situation involves legitimate adaptation to new information or unforeseen circumstances, where changes are made in good faith to improve a process or achieve a more realistic outcome. In such cases, using this phrase can create unnecessary negativity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move the goalposts" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It's often used to describe a situation where someone unfairly changes the requirements or expectations after a process has already begun, making it more difficult for others to succeed. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and common English phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "move the goalposts" is a commonly used phrase that describes the act of unfairly changing the rules or criteria during an ongoing process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s considered grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media contexts. Usage generally carries a negative connotation, implying manipulation or a lack of good faith. When using the phrase, ensure the context reflects this unfair shifting of standards. Alternative expressions include "change the rules" or "shift the parameters". Avoid using it when describing necessary adaptations made in good faith.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

change the rules

This alternative focuses on the alteration of established guidelines.

shift the parameters

This highlights a change in the defined limits or scope.

alter the criteria

This emphasizes modifications to the standards used for evaluation.

raise the bar

This suggests increasing the level of difficulty or expectation.

redefine the requirements

This focuses on a new or revised set of necessary conditions.

adjust the standards

This implies a modification to the established benchmarks.

modify the conditions

This emphasizes the changes in the agreed-upon terms.

tamper with the framework

Highlights the interference with the underlaying structure.

stack the deck

This implies manipulating circumstances to create an unfair advantage.

rig the game

Suggests dishonest manipulation to ensure a desired outcome.

FAQs

What does the idiom "move the goalposts" mean?

The idiom "move the goalposts" means to unfairly change the rules or requirements of a situation while someone is already working towards a goal, making it more difficult for them to succeed.

How can I use "move the goalposts" in a sentence?

You can use "move the goalposts" to describe situations where someone changes the criteria for success mid-process, like: "The company kept "moving the goalposts", making it impossible for employees to earn bonuses."

Are there any synonyms for "move the goalposts"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "change the rules", "shift the parameters", or "alter the criteria" as alternatives to "move the goalposts", depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to "move the goalposts"?

Yes, "move the goalposts" typically carries a negative connotation, implying unfairness or a lack of good faith. It suggests that the changes are designed to make it harder for someone to achieve their objective, so avoid using it when you want to express that new standards are applied fairly and with enough time.