Move the Goalposts – Idiom of the Day

Using idioms effectively in IELTS Speaking and Writing can make your responses more natural and expressive. The idiom “Move the Goalposts” is perfect for describing situations where someone unfairly changes the rules or conditions to suit their advantage. This blog explains its meaning, provides examples, exercises, and a sample IELTS Speaking answer to help you use it confidently.

Meaning of Move the Goalposts

• Definition: To change the rules or conditions of a process while it is still happening, usually to make it harder for someone to succeed.
• Example Explanation: When someone “moves the goalposts,” they alter what was agreed upon or expected, making success more difficult or even impossible.

Examples of “Move the Goalposts”

1. The tax department planned a raid on Mr. X’s house, but he escaped by moving the goalposts.
2. The finance department moved the goalposts and didn’t give proper explanations for their expenditure.
3. The media was focusing too much on the murder case, so the intelligence agency decided to move the goalposts.

Usage of “Move the Goalposts” in IELTS Speaking

Here are some example sentences showing how to use this idiom naturally:

• “It’s frustrating when teachers move the goalposts after students have already submitted their assignments.”
• “My boss keeps moving the goalposts by adding new targets every week.”
• “Negotiations failed because one party kept moving the goalposts.”

Pro Tip: Use this idiom when talking about rules, competition, work, or politics in IELTS Speaking Part 1, IELTS Speaking Part 2, or IELTS Speaking Part 3, to demonstrate advanced vocabulary and natural fluency.

Sample IELTS Speaking Answer Using “Move the Goalposts”

IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Describe a Difficult Situation You Faced

One challenging situation I remember was during my final year project at university. Our professor kept changing the project requirements every few weeks. Initially, we had to design a website, but later he wanted an app version too, and then a full presentation with analytics.
We were so frustrated because just when we thought we were done, he moved the goalposts again. Although it was stressful, I learned how to adapt quickly and manage changing expectations. Looking back, the experience helped me stay flexible under pressure and work effectively as a team.

Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Meaning

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom “Move the Goalposts” in each sentence:

1. The manager keeps moving the goalposts whenever we meet our targets.
   a) Praising employees
   b) Changing rules unfairly
   c) Rewarding good work
2. The referee was accused of moving the goalposts.
   a) Changing conditions unfairly
   b) Following rules strictly
   c) Ignoring players
3. It’s impossible to win when the company keeps moving the goalposts.
   a) Making success harder
   b) Offering better rewards
   c) Simplifying the process
4. My teacher moved the goalposts after we finished the assignment.
   a) Changed the grading rules
   b) Gave clear instructions
   c) Extended the deadline
5. Negotiations failed because they kept moving the goalposts.
   a) Agreed easily
   b) Changed rules unfairly
   c) Followed the contract

Exercise 2: Complete the Sentences

Fill in the blanks with the idiom “move the goalposts”:

1. The company keeps ____________, making it impossible to reach our goals.
2. It’s unfair to ____________ once the competition has started.
3. The politician ____________ to escape the scandal.
4. The exam board suddenly ____________, confusing all the students.
5. Our boss often ____________ to avoid promoting anyone.

Answers

Exercise 1 Answers:

1. b) Changing rules unfairly
2. a) Changing conditions unfairly
3. a) Making success harder
4. a) Changed the grading rules
5. b) Changed rules unfairly

Exercise 2 Answers:

1. move the goalposts
2. move the goalposts
3. moved the goalposts
4. moved the goalposts
5. moves the goalposts

Overall, the idiom “Move the Goalposts” is a powerful way to describe unfair or shifting standards in daily life, business, or politics. Using it naturally in your IELTS Speaking or Writing tasks can make your responses sound more fluent and sophisticated. Practice with the examples and exercises above to confidently include it in your answers.

Also Check: 

• 21+ Tips On How to Improve Your IELTS Writing Band Score
• IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+
• IELTS Writing Task 1 Connectors
• 10 Useful IELTS Speaking Tips to Impress the Examiner
• Useful Idioms for IELTS Speaking to Score Band 8.0+