move the goalposts
🥅 move the goalposts
Concrete Meaning
To unfairly change the rules, conditions, or criteria of a project or competition while it is already in progress, making it harder to succeed.
💬 Context & Examples
Use this when expressing frustration that expectations or requirements have been shifted mid-project, making your original target impossible to hit.
- "Every time we get close to finalizing the contract, they move the goalposts and ask for more concessions."
- "It's impossible to succeed in this role if management keeps moving the goalposts on our key performance indicators."
🧠 Pattern Challenge
Test Yourself
Imagine a soccer player running up to take a penalty kick. Just as they shoot, the referee literally moves the net 10 feet to the left. Why is this a perfect metaphor for changing project scope?
Show Answer
Because you cannot successfully score (or complete a project) if the target you were aiming for is suddenly and unfairly relocated right before you finish.