move/shift the goalposts
— to change the rules and make it difficult for people to achieve something or to know what to doProblems arise when people are shifting the goalposts and objectives are not clear.
English dictionary. 2014.
goalpost — goalpost, goal post goal post, n. (Sport) One of two posts supporting a crossbar which forms a goal[3], especially in American football; also, in football the entire structure consisting of the posts, crossbar, and two uprights. To score a goal… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
goalpost — ► NOUN ▪ either of the two upright posts of a goal. ● move the goalposts Cf. ↑move the goalposts … English terms dictionary
Goalpost — Un goalpost de fútbol americano resaltado en color amarillo. Un goalpost es un anglicismo usado en el fútbol americano y canadiense, traducido al español como poste (de gol). En español, es común que se les nombre de acuerdo a su estructura: H… … Wikipedia Español
Goalpost — On the sporting field, goalposts are posts between which players must carry, kick or pass a ball or similar object in order to score points, or simply a goal. In many games, at each end of the field of play, there are two vertical posts (or… … Wikipedia
goalpost — [[t]go͟ʊlpoʊst[/t]] goalposts also goal post 1) N COUNT A goalpost is one of the two upright wooden posts that are connected by a crossbar and form the goal in games such as football and rugby. 2) PHRASE: V inflects (disapproval) If you accuse… … English dictionary
goalpost — noun Date: 1857 one of usually two vertical posts that with or without a crossbar constitute the goal in various games … New Collegiate Dictionary
goalpost — /gohl pohst /, n. a post supporting a crossbar and, with it, forming the goal on a playing field in certain sports, as football. Also, goal post. [1855 60] * * * … Universalium
goalpost — noun a) In American football, the tall Y shaped upright, now usually of fiberglass, at either end of the playing field, through which a football must go in order to score a field goal. Originally, they were H shaped, with two wooden posts on… … Wiktionary
goalpost — goal|post [ˈgəulpəust US ˈgoulpoust] n [C usually plural] 1.) one of the two posts, with a bar along the top or across the middle, that form the ↑goal in games such as football and ↑hockey = ↑post 2.) move/shift the goalposts BrE informal to… … Dictionary of contemporary English
goalpost — goal|post [ goul,poust ] noun count one of the two posts that the ball must go between to score a goal in games such as soccer move the goalposts to change the rules and make it difficult for people to achieve something or to know what to do … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
