English Explanatory Dictionary

move the goalposts

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. 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.

Pronunciation

/ˈmuːv ðə ˈɡəʊlpəʊsts/ /ˈmuːv ðə ˈɡɔʊlpəʊsts/ /ˈmuːv ðə ˈɡoʊlpoʊst/ en-au-move the goalposts.ogg

Word forms

move the goalposts moves the goalposts moving the goalposts moved the goalposts move the goal posts

Etymology

A metaphor of British origin derived from association football (soccer), from the idea that it is difficult for a player to kick the ball into the goal if it is moved.

Synonyms

change the goal posts shift the goalposts

Related words

level playing field move the yardsticks
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