🚩 Moving the Goalposts: Shifting Rules and Unfair Play 🏆
Definition: To change the rules in the middle of an enterprise, typically to make it harder for someone to succeed. Originating from sports involving goalposts like soccer, rugby, and football, this phrase entered the vernacular in the latter half of the 20th century.
Synonyms:
- Changing the rules
- Shifting the goalposts
- Moving the finish line
- Changing the game plan
Antonyms:
- Consistency in policies
- Fair play
- Level playing field
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “Just when you think you’re about to score, someone decides it’s a baseball game now.”
- “Ever felt like life is a game, where the rules change just when you’re catching up? Yep, welcome to ‘moving the goalposts.’”
Proverbs and Related Expressions:
- “Changing horses in midstream”—Refers to changing plans or strategies in the middle of an ongoing task.
- “Flip-flop”—An informal term for frequently changing one’s opinion or policy.
- “Bait and switch”—A dishonest tactic where something is advertised very attractively, but then switched with an inferior product.
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies:
- Books: “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson – A book about dealing with change.
- Movie: “Moneyball” – A film about changing the rules of the game in baseball.
- Song: “Changes” by David Bowie – A tune that encapsulates transformation and shifting dynamics.
Examples in Context:
- Literary Reference: Jo Bannister illustrated this idiom perfectly in Liars All (2009): “. . . if they parted one day, she’d find someone to replace him . . . He didn’t blame her for that. It wasn’t Brodie who’d moved the goalposts.”
- Workplace Scenario:
- Before: “Raise your company sales by 10%, and you’ll be a VP in no time.”
- After: “Now it’s 20%, and also, you’ll need to bring in five new clients.”
Quizzes 🎉
Remember, language evolves, and understanding the nuances can turn a phrase from a simple quote into a profound life lesson. Embrace the learning, and always keep an eye out for shifting goalposts!📚✨
Author Thoughts: Stay flexible, stay informed, and when someone moves the goalposts, make your own rules. 🚀
Published by:
Quotidian Quills
“Because clichés, like goalposts, are more interesting when they move.”
Date: 2023-10-10
