goalpost

/ˈɡɔʊl-/noun

A standard or target that someone keeps changing unfairly, as in the phrase "move the goalposts."

Example sentence

“Every time we meet their requirements, they shift the goalposts and demand something new.”

'Moving the goalposts' is the phrase that keeps this word busy: changing the rules after the game has started. Literally, the upright posts framing a goal.

sports

Related words

netDescribing an amount that is left after all costs, taxes, or other deductions have been taken away.sidelineA boundary line running along the edge of something, such as a sports field.dugoutA low, sheltered bench area beside a sports field where coaches and substitute players sit during a match.scoreboardA big display at a game or competition that shows how many points each side has.stopwatchA watch that can be started and stopped to measure exactly how much time has passed.shinguardA protective pad worn over the front of the lower leg, especially during sports.