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shift the goal

[/ʃɪft ðə ɡoʊl/]
verb phrase
mudar o objetivo
1. To change the target or objective of something, often during the process or discussion
The manager tried to shift the goal when it became clear they wouldn't meet the original target.
O gerente tentou mudar o objetivo quando ficou claro que não atingiriam a meta original.
2. To alter the desired outcome or success criteria, sometimes seen as evasive or dishonest
Don't shift the goal posts now that we've already started the project.
Não mude as metas agora que já começamos o projeto.
NYC Slang
move the goalposts / change the rules mid-game
Synonyms
move the goalpostschange the objectivealter the targetchange the criteria
Antonyms
maintain focuskeep the same objectivestay on target

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
mudar o objetivo
Most common usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
mexer na meta
More colloquial usage
São Paulo
mudar o objetivo
Standard formal usage
Portugal
alterar o objetivo
More formal, European Portuguese preference

Related Idioms & Phrases

move the goalposts
shift the target
change the game plan
move the finish line
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