move the goalposts
verb phrase · Idiom / expression C2
Plain meaning
to change the rules or targets after someone has started trying to meet them
Exam-register meaning
to alter criteria retrospectively, making evaluation or compliance unfair
In context
naturalEvery time we finish a task, the client moves the goalposts.
examFrequent changes to assessment criteria can be seen as moving the goalposts for students.
Common collocations
keep moving the goalpostsaccuse someone of moving the goalpostsmoving the goalposts unfairly
Watch out
Use it for changing rules/criteria, not for any ordinary change of plan.