Business English Office Phrase of the Day: ‘Move the goalposts’

Office Phrases Business English / By

Have you ever been in a situation where the rules or expectations suddenly changed, making it harder for you to succeed? If so, you’ve experienced what it means to move the goalposts. This phrase is commonly used in business English, and understanding it can help you navigate workplace conversations with confidence.

What Does Move the Goalposts Mean?

The phrase move the goalposts refers to changing the rules or expectations in a way that makes success more difficult to achieve. It’s often used when someone feels that the conditions for success have been unfairly altered.

For example:

  • A manager might move the goalposts by increasing sales targets after a team has already met the original goals.
  • A client might move the goalposts by requesting additional features after agreeing on a project’s scope.

Watch the Video: Move the Goalposts

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Why Is This Phrase Important in Business English?

In professional settings, phrases like move the goalposts are part of natural, idiomatic English. Using and understanding such expressions can:

  • Improve your communication skills by helping you sound more fluent and confident.
  • Build rapport with native speakers who frequently use idioms in workplace conversations.
  • Help you express frustration or concerns diplomatically when expectations change unfairly.

Examples of Move the Goalposts in Action

Here are some practical examples of how this phrase might be used in a business context:

During a Team Meeting:
We worked hard to meet the original deadline, but now they’ve moved the goalposts by asking for additional revisions.”

In a Client Discussion:
“We agreed on the project scope last month, but it feels like the client is moving the goalposts by requesting new features.”

In a Performance Review:
“I feel like the targets keep changing. It’s hard to stay motivated when the goalposts are constantly being moved.“

Synonyms and Related Phrases

If you want to expand your vocabulary, here are some similar phrases you can use:

  • Change the rules of the game
  • Raise the bar (though this often has a more positive connotation)
  • Shift the goalposts (a variation of the same phrase)

How to Respond When Someone Moves the Goalposts

If you find yourself in a situation where the goalposts have been moved, here are some polite and professional ways to address it:

Clarify the new expectations
“Could we confirm the updated requirements so we’re all on the same page?”

Express your concerns diplomatically
“I understand the priorities have shifted, but it would be helpful to have clear guidelines moving forward.”

Negotiate a realistic timeline
“Given the additional changes, could we extend the deadline to ensure we deliver the best results?”

Cultural Note: Why Idioms Matter in Business English

In English-speaking workplaces, idioms like move the goalposts are used frequently. They add colour to conversations and help convey complex ideas succinctly. However, they can also be confusing for non-native speakers. By learning phrases like this, you’ll not only improve your comprehension but also enhance your ability to participate in discussions confidently.

Quick Quiz: Test Your Understanding of Move the Goalposts

Let’s see how well you understand the phrase move the goalposts. Choose the best answer for each question below:

  1. Which situation best illustrates someone moving the goalposts?
    A. A manager increases the sales target after the team has already met the original goal.
    B. A manager sets a high sales target at the beginning of the year.
    C. A manager congratulates the team for meeting their sales target.
  2. How would you respond professionally if a client moved the goalposts by requesting additional features after agreeing on the project scope?
    A. “This is unacceptable. We can’t keep changing the scope.”
    B. “I understand your new requirements. Let’s discuss how this will impact the timeline and budget.”
    C. “We’ll do it, but this is the last time we’re making changes.”
  3. Which of the following is NOT an example of moving the goalposts?
    A. A colleague changes the success criteria halfway through a project.
    B. A client asks for a new feature after the project is completed.
    C. A manager sets clear expectations at the start of a project and sticks to them.
  4. Why might someone feel frustrated when the goalposts are moved?
    A. Because it makes success harder to achieve.
    B. Because it means they’ve already succeeded.
    C. Because it shows that the rules are fair and consistent.

Answers:

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. A

Practice Using Move the Goalposts

Try using this phrase in your own sentences. For example:

  • “I was excited to finish the project, but then they moved the goalposts.”
  • “It’s hard to stay motivated when the goalposts keep shifting.”

FREE Resources to Support Your Learning

Grab our Ultimate 300 Business English Phrases for Communication in the Office ebook below. Visit our FREE Business English lessons page.

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