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move the goalposts

[/muːv ðə ˈɡoʊlˌpoʊsts/]
verb phrase
mudar as regras do jogo
1. To change the rules, standards, or requirements of something after it has already begun, especially unfairly to gain an advantage
First they said we needed a degree, but after I got it, they moved the goalposts and demanded 5 years of experience too.
Primeiro disseram que precisávamos de um diploma, mas depois que consegui, mudaram as regras do jogo e exigiram também 5 anos de experiência.
2. To shift expectations or targets retroactively to make success harder or impossible
The company keeps moving the goalposts on our quarterly targets.
A empresa continua mudando as metas trimestrais.
NYC Slang
change the game on someone / switch it up
Synonyms
change the rulesshift the goalmove the targetchange the criteria
Antonyms
keep the rulesmaintain standardshold steady

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
mudar as regras do jogo
Most common expression in Brazilian Portuguese
General Brazilian
mexer nos critérios
Alternative form meaning to tamper with criteria
Portugal
mudar as regras do jogo
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; universally understood
Portugal
deslocar as traves
Literal translation less commonly used but understood

Related Idioms & Phrases

change the rules of the game
shift the target
move the finish line
change the script
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