move the yardsticks
To make progress, as used in political and corporate venues to express proactive actions.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“We need to move the yardsticks to finish this project on time.”
“Small daily wins help us move the yardsticks toward our goal.”
“The team met all morning to discuss how they could move the yardsticks before the quarterly review.”
“The manager believes that hiring two more developers will finally move the yardsticks on the software update.”
“If we want to move the yardsticks during this negotiation, we must be willing to compromise on the price.”
“Although the committee faced significant bureaucratic resistance, they remained determined to move the yardsticks and implement the necessary policy reforms.”
The phrase originates from the sport of American football, in which officials use a pair of posts connected by a chain to track the progress of the ball. When the offensive team advances ten yards, the yardsticks are moved forward to mark a new point of measurement. The term reflects this mechanical shift of the goal during the course of play.
- 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