moving the goalposts

"Moving the goalposts" is a rhetorical expression that refers to the act of changing the criteria, standards, or expectations of a situation or argument after they have already been established, in order to create an unfair advantage or to avoid acknowledging a previous position or claim. It can involve shifting the goal or target of an argument or debate to prevent the other party from achieving their intended outcome, thereby making it more difficult for them to succeed or meet the requirements originally agreed upon. This phrase is commonly used in discussions and debates to point out a tactic where the rules or parameters are altered to the benefit of one side, undermining the integrity of the discourse.