move the goalposts
UK informal disapprovingDefinition
› to change the rules while someone is trying to do something in order to make it more difficult for them: We'd almost signed the contract when the other guys moved the goalposts and said they wanted more money.ChangingAdapting and modifying Adapting and attuning to somethingChanging frequently
(Definition of move the goalposts from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus
© Cambridge University Press)
Browse the Dictionary
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move on phrasal verb (NEW ACTIVITY)
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move on phrasal verb (NEW PLACE)
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move on to higher/better things idiom
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move out phrasal verb
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move sb/sth in phrasal verb
- move the goalposts idiom
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move verb (BE WITH PEOPLE)
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move verb (CAUSE)
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move verb (CHANGE OPINION)
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move verb (CHANGE PLACE)
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move verb (CHANGE POSITION)
Browse the Thesaurus
SMART Thesaurus
Synonyms and related words:
- a new broom sweeps clean idiom
- about-turn noun
- alter verb (CHANGE)
- alternate adjective
- alternate verb
- bastardize verb
- convert verb (CHANGE)
- convertible adjective
- fluid adjective (LIKELY TO CHANGE)
- modulate verb (PLAN/PROCESS)
- modulate verb (SOUND)
- new broom noun
- polymorphous adjective
- rearrange verb
- swing verb (MOVE SIDEWAYS)
- transfigure verb
- transform verb
- transitional adjective
- transmogrify verb
- transmute verb
Topic:
Changing
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