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

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

But law enforcement agencies across Southern California and the country already employ drones for a variety of purposes, including 911 response, and skeptics warn about the risk of “mission creep” when the technology is weaponized or used for surveillance.

From Los Angeles Times

Although drones may be intended only for specific circumstances such as 911 calls, Khan is worried they will become more ubiquitous as time goes on, with “mission creep” eventually leading to more dangerous applications.

From Los Angeles Times