move the goal
To alter the rules or parameters of a situation in such a way as to suit one's needs or objectives, making it more difficult for someone else to succeed, keep pace, or achieve an opposing objective. (A US variant of the more common British phrase "move the goalposts.") Primarily heard in US. I hate arguing with that type of person. As soon as you start wearing down their logic, they just move the goal on the whole thing! We're never going to get the book design finished in time if the publisher keeps moving the goal every couple of months like this!
move the goal line
To alter the rules or parameters of a situation in such a way as to suit one's needs or objectives, making it more difficult for someone else to succeed, keep pace, or achieve an opposing objective. (A variant of the more common "move the goalposts.") Primarily heard in UK. I hate arguing with that type of person. As soon as you start wearing down their logic, they just move the goal line on the whole thing! We're never going to get the book design finished in time if the publisher keeps moving the goal line every couple of months like this!
an own goal
1. In sports, a goal that a player accidentally scores for the opposing team. I can't believe we lost the championship because of an own goal. I was trying to get the puck out of our zone, but I scored an own goal—how mortifying!
2. An action pursued because it seems beneficial but that ultimately has a detrimental effect. Sheila's speech was supposed to win her more supporters, but it became an own goal once she started ranting off-topic. The law seemed promising, but it has generated such strong opposition that it's become an own goal for the president.
squad goals
The aspirations, desires, or values of one's group of close friends, often illustrated in an image posted on social media that is captioned with the phrase as a hashtag. Check out this selfie of Jenny and her friends at the library. She hashtagged it with "squad goals." See you all bright and early tomorrow at the protest! #squadgoals
goals
slang Something that one aspires to be or have. Despite "goals" being plural, it is often used with singular subjects. Her sleek, shiny hair is just goals. My mom and her college friends are seriously goals—they've been friends for 25 years!
move the goalposts
(British, American & Australian) also move the goal (American) to change the rules in a situation in a way that is not fair, usually in order to make it more difficult for someone to achieve something My boss is never satisfied. Whenever I think I've done what he wants, he moves the goalposts.
an own goal
(British) something that someone does to try to get an advantage, but which makes a situation worse for them
Usage notes: In sport, an own goal is when someone scores a point for the opposite team by mistake.
The publishing industry believes that new regulations on recycling paper will be an environmental own goal. The government has scored an own goal with its harsh treatment of single parents.