move the goalposts
Upper Intermediate (B2) informal
Change what's required after someone has already started working toward it.
"Every time we meet a target, they move the goalposts — it's impossible to satisfy them."
Hear it in context
I Compared US and UK Free Speech. I Was Shocked
Evan Edinger · 4:41
Even so, if you move the goalposts
101 Biology Facts, Slowly Explained | Science for Sleep
The Sleepy Scientist · 116:03
Speculation is not proof, but extremophiles move the goalposts.
How the 1% stole minimalism (then threw it away)
Matt D'Avella · 10:15
And the brands, they're happy to move the goalposts
Trump Just CRASHED OUT...
Harry Sisson · 9:27
Or maybe they're finding a way to move the goalposts.