To move the goalposts

Meaning

To change the criteria or rules unexpectedly.

Examples

• John: 'They keep <b>moving the goalposts</b>; it's impossible to meet their ever-changing requirements.'
• Alice: 'I know, it's incredibly frustrating and unproductive.'
• John: 'Exactly! We should address this with management.'
• Alice: 'It feels like they <b>moved the goalposts</b> after we'd already completed most of the work.'