Move the goalposts

Meaning

Change the rules or expectations to make success harder to achieve.

Usage

Used in contexts where criteria shift unfairly.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Sports metaphor where shifting the posts alters the target.

Popular in business and politics to describe shifting standards.