Moving the goalposts: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 05:20, 16 February 2025

Moving the Goalposts[edit]

"Moving the goalposts" is a metaphorical idiom that describes a situation where the criteria for success or completion of a task are changed after the task has already begun. This phrase is often used in discussions of debate, negotiation, and competition, where one party may alter the conditions to make it more difficult for the other party to achieve a goal.

Origin and Usage[edit]

The phrase "moving the goalposts" originates from the world of sports, where the physical goalposts define the area in which a team must score to achieve points. In sports like football and hockey, the goalposts are fixed structures, and moving them would unfairly alter the conditions of the game. The idiom has since been adopted into general language to describe any situation where the rules or conditions are changed unfairly.

Examples in Context[edit]

In a business setting, moving the goalposts might occur when a manager changes the targets for a project after the team has already started working towards the original goals. In politics, it can refer to changing the requirements for passing legislation or achieving policy objectives.

Psychological and Strategic Implications[edit]

Moving the goalposts can have significant psychological effects on individuals and teams. It can lead to feelings of frustration, demotivation, and distrust. Strategically, it may be used as a tactic to gain an advantage over an opponent by continually shifting the criteria for success.

Related Concepts[edit]

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Moving the goalposts''' is a metaphorical phrase that describes the act of changing the criteria or rules of a situation or argument in an unfair manner, usually to benefit one side and disadvantage the other. This tactic is often used in [[debate]]s, [[negotiation]]s, and various forms of [[competition]], making it a relevant concept in fields such as [[law]], [[politics]], [[sports]], and [[psychology]]. The phrase originates from the world of [[sport]], where physically moving the goalposts would make it more difficult for one team to score, thus altering the fairness of the game.
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Moving the Goalposts}}
-==Overview==
+== Moving the Goalposts ==
-The act of moving the goalposts can take many forms but fundamentally involves altering the conditions or objectives that were initially agreed upon. This can be done by changing the rules, adding new requirements, or shifting the desired outcome in a way that makes an agreement or goal harder to achieve. It is often seen as a form of [[manipulation]] or [[bad faith]] negotiation, as it undermines the original agreement or understanding between parties.
+[[File:Ice_hockey_goal_2014.JPG|thumb|right|An ice hockey goal, illustrating the concept of a goalpost.]]
-==Examples==
+"'''Moving the goalposts'''" is a metaphorical idiom that describes a situation where the criteria for success or completion of a task are changed after the task has already begun. This phrase is often used in discussions of [[debate]], [[negotiation]], and [[competition]], where one party may alter the conditions to make it more difficult for the other party to achieve a goal.
-In [[politics]], a party may move the goalposts by changing the requirements for a [[legislation]] to pass after negotiations have already begun. In the [[workplace]], an employer might alter the conditions for a promotion after an employee has met the previously stated requirements. In [[personal relationships]], one individual might continuously change their demands or expectations from the other party, making it impossible to satisfy them fully.
-==Psychological Impact==
+== Origin and Usage ==
-The tactic of moving the goalposts can have significant psychological effects on individuals. It can lead to feelings of frustration, demoralization, and a sense of injustice. This is particularly evident in environments where individuals or teams have worked hard to meet specific goals or standards, only to find those targets have been changed without fair warning or justification.
+The phrase "moving the goalposts" originates from the world of [[sports]], where the physical goalposts define the area in which a team must score to achieve points. In sports like [[football]] and [[hockey]], the goalposts are fixed structures, and moving them would unfairly alter the conditions of the game. The idiom has since been adopted into general language to describe any situation where the rules or conditions are changed unfairly.
-==Criticism and Countermeasures==
+== Examples in Context ==
-Critics of this tactic argue that it undermines trust and fairness, essential components of any healthy [[negotiation]] or [[relationship]]. To counteract the effects of moving the goalposts, it is recommended to establish clear, written agreements outlining the criteria or goals to be achieved and include provisions for how changes can be negotiated. Additionally, fostering open and honest communication can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that any changes to agreements are made transparently and fairly.
+In a [[business]] setting, moving the goalposts might occur when a manager changes the targets for a project after the team has already started working towards the original goals. In [[politics]], it can refer to changing the requirements for passing legislation or achieving policy objectives.
-==In Popular Culture==
+== Psychological and Strategic Implications ==
-The concept of moving the goalposts has transcended its origins and is now commonly referenced in popular culture to describe situations where unfair manipulations of rules or expectations occur, not just in sports but in any competitive or cooperative context.
+Moving the goalposts can have significant psychological effects on individuals and teams. It can lead to feelings of frustration, demotivation, and distrust. Strategically, it may be used as a tactic to gain an advantage over an opponent by continually shifting the criteria for success.
-[[Category:Debate]]
+== Related Concepts ==
-[[Category:Psychological manipulation]]
+* [[Ad hominem]]
-[[Category:Negotiation]]
+* [[Straw man]]
-[[Category:Ethics]]
+* [[Red herring]]
+* [[Slippery slope]]
-{{communication-stub}}
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Logical fallacy]]
+* [[Debate]]
+* [[Negotiation]]
+[[Category:Logical fallacies]]
+[[Category:Metaphors]]