To move the goalposts means to change the rules after something has already started, making it harder for someone to succeed. It often feels unfair because the target keeps shifting just when people think they are close to reaching it.
The phrase comes from sports such as soccer or rugby, where goalposts mark the place where points are scored. If the posts were moved during the game, it would be harder to score points.
The phrase comes from sports such as soccer or rugby, where goalposts mark the place where points are scored. If the posts were moved during the game, it would be harder to score points.
Every time he finished the task, his boss added another requirement and seemed to move the goalposts.