Definition of "move the goalposts" in English

Verb

1. To alter the terms of an agreement or an agreed target, or the rules of a negotiation while it is ongoing, especially in an unfair way.

   • This is a Government that meets its economic targets and does not move the goalposts.
   • We were given a moving date, and an exchange date, but the buyers kept moving the goalposts and giving us a later date.