goalpost

Or goal post

[gohl-pohst]

noun

1. a post supporting a crossbar and, with it, forming the goal on a playing field in certain sports, as football.

goalpost

/ ˈɡəʊlˌpəʊst /

noun

1. either of two upright posts supporting the crossbar of a goal

2. to change the aims of an activity to ensure the desired results

Word History and Origins

Origin of goalpost¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

"Moving the goalposts after people have built this huge digital archive doesn't really sit right," he said.

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There were many reports in the Israeli media that the Biden initiative failed because Netanyahu moved the goalposts with a new set of demands - under pressure from the hard right in his cabinet.

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It was a goalpost set without a road map.

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Every shot is a stunner, from stark images of eerily spinning footballs to goalposts that loom like devil’s horns.

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Although this shifts the goalposts a bit, it can be justified.

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