Changing the target of a process or competition to by one side in order to gain advantage.
Changing the target of a process or competition to by one side in order to gain advantage.
This phrase is a straightforward derivation from sports that use goalposts, that is, Football, Rugby Football, American Football etc. The figurative use alludes to the perceived unfairness in changing the goal one is trying to achieve after the process one is engaged in has already started.
The phrase came into wide use in the UK during the 1980s. The first citation I can find of it, although I’m sure there must be earlier ones, is a report of a meeting of finance ministers, in the Jamaican newspaper The Gleaner, September 1987:
“I see no reason to move the goalposts at all.” said British Chancellor of the Exchequer (finance minister) Nigel Lawson.
Trend of moving the goalposts in printed material over time
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T UV W XYZ
American Animals Australian Bible Body Colour Conflict Death Devil Dogs Emotions Euphemism Family Fashion Food French Horses ‘Jack’ Luck Money Military Music Names Nature Nautical Numbers Politics Religion Shakespeare Stupidity Entertainment Weather Women Work
Have you spotted something that needs updated on this page? We review all feedback we receive to ensure that we provide the most accurate and up to date information on phrases.