mission creep

British  

noun

1. the tendency for a task, esp a military operation, to become unintentionally wider in scope than its initial objectives

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Example Sentences

No one can disagree with Mr. Warsh on the Fed’s mission creep and on the multiplication of inconsistent objectives.

From The Wall Street Journal

He has long criticized the Fed’s political mission creep and understands stable prices are a prerequisite for broad-based prosperity.

From The Wall Street Journal

When you really break down “Alien,” though, you get a riveting story about workplace inequality and the perils of mission creep.

From Salon

“As with any program, money continues to grow. I always call it mission creep, but suddenly you look around and you’re going, ‘Why are we doing this?

From Los Angeles Times

We could call it mission creep.

From Salon