move the yardsticks

move the yardsticks

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 yardsticks on the whole thing! We're never going to get the book design finished in time if the publisher keeps moving the yardsticks every couple of months like this!
See also: move
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • move the goal
  • move the goal line
  • move the goalposts
  • set (someone or oneself) up for (something)
  • set someone up for something
  • bend the truth
  • mark (one) for life
  • mark for life
  • marked
  • marking
References in periodicals archive
The institution believes the funding will also move the yardsticks toward enabling them to establish more partnerships, chase opportunities for contractual research and clinical trials, and spur a variety of new research and development projects.
Federal money for cancer research in Thunder Bay
"I intend to follow in the footsteps of previous commanders and move the yardsticks as far forward as possible over the next 10 and half months," he said.
Militants held in Paktia, Kandahar
This software has the potential to significantly 'move the yardsticks' for the company".
MONARC DEVELOPS AN ENGLISH OF VERSION P2P SOFTWARE
They will clearly help TEI move the yardsticks forward!
A strong team, a clear vision, and an effective program. (President's Corner)
"We all share some common goals and needs, but each district is a little different in terms of its agricultural focus and current activities," said Errol Caldwell, RAIN's research co-chain "They really need to determine for themselves what's best going to work for them, but we're really keen on working with everyone in a pan-northern sense to move the yardsticks forward for Northern Ontario."
Researching agriculture: pilot project underway at agri-innovation network