move the goalposts

Etymology


A of British origin derived from association football (soccer), from the idea that it is difficult for a player to kick the ball into the goal if it is moved.

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.

Translations

 * Chinese:
 * Cantonese:
 * Finnish: siirtää maalitolppia
 * Polish: zmienić zasady gry
 * Romanian: schimba regulile jocului
 * Spanish: cambiar las reglas del juego, donde dije digo, digo Diego