Meaning
To change the criteria, rules, or expectations after a process has begun, often making success harder or an agreement unfair. Usually used critically when the other party changes what counts as a satisfactory result.
Origin
The metaphor comes from sports played with goalposts: shifting the posts after play has started would alter the target unfairly. The figurative expression is established in modern British and international English; it is not tied to one reliably documented match.
Examples
We met every target, but management keeps moving the goalposts.
You can’t move the goalposts halfway through the contract.
First they asked for two reports; now they want five. They’re moving the goalposts.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Move the goalposts' mean?
To change the criteria, rules, or expectations after a process has begun, often making success harder or an agreement unfair. Usually used critically when the other party changes what counts as a satisfactory result.