move the goalposts
To alter the terms of an agreement or an agreed target, or the rules of a negotiation while it is ongoing, especially in an unfair way.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“It is unfair when you move the goalposts during our game.”
“They move the goalposts every time I try to earn a bonus.”
“You move the goalposts whenever we argue about the house rules.”
“Just as I was about to finish the project, my boss moved the goalposts and asked for completely different results.”
“The bank moved the goalposts by adding new requirements for the loan after I had already submitted all my paperwork.”
“I thought I needed sixty percent to pass the exam, but the teacher moved the goalposts and changed it to seventy.”
“The negotiators felt frustrated because, every time a consensus seemed within reach, the opposing party moved the goalposts to ensure the deal remained elusive.”
A metaphor of British origin, the phrase is derived from association football. It is based upon the observation that a player finds it rather difficult to kick a ball into a goal if the goal itself is being moved during the attempt.
- 01
bust a move
To dance.
- 02
get a move on
To hurry up, to get moving.
- 03
get moving
To start hurrying to undertake a task.
- 04
keep it moving
To continue or advance notwithstanding any issue or obstacle.
- 05
make a move
To take action.
- 06
move furniture
To engage someone physically; to brawl.
- 07
move heaven and earth
To do whatever is necessary, including extreme or unusual actions; to go to extremes.
- 08
move house
To change one's place of residence.
Last updated August 10, 2026