BE 499: Do You Move the Goalposts on Your English?

In this episode of the Business English podcast, Lindsay and Michelle discuss the idiom "move the goalposts," which refers to changing the parameters of a goal, often making it harder to achieve, right before or as the goal is about to be accomplished. They explore the negative connotations of the idiom, particularly in business scenarios where expectations are altered unfairly, causing frustration and anxiety for employees. The hosts also discuss related concepts like "raise the bar" and dealing with a "moving target" in terms of unclear expectations, providing examples and a role-play to illustrate the idiom in context. They emphasize the importance of clear communication, realistic goal setting, and consulting with others to avoid demotivating team members.