goalpost: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to informal; technical in sports contexts.
Quick answer
What does “goalpost” mean?
One of the two vertical posts, often connected by a crossbar, which form the goal in sports such as football (soccer), rugby, or American football.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One of the two vertical posts, often connected by a crossbar, which form the goal in sports such as football (soccer), rugby, or American football.
1. A figurative target or objective. 2. (In the idiom 'move the goalposts') To change the rules or criteria of a situation unfairly while it is still in progress.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'goalpost' is strongly associated with football (soccer) and rugby. In American English, primary association is with American football, though it is also used for soccer. The spelling is the same.
Connotations
In UK sports culture, hitting the goalpost is often a moment of dramatic near-miss. In US culture, the goalpost (especially in American football) is a central, often iconic structure.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English due to the cultural dominance of football (soccer). The idiomatic phrase 'move the goalposts' is equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “goalpost” in a Sentence
[verb] + the goalpost (hit, move, shift, defend)between the + goalpostsgoalpost + [verb] (the goalpost shook)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"They moved the goalposts after we'd already submitted the proposal, demanding a 20% higher profit margin." (Idiomatic use)
Academic
The study used the initial survey results as a goalpost for measuring subsequent attitudinal changes.
Everyday
The ball hit the goalpost and bounced out, so they didn't score.
Technical
The goalpost assembly must conform to FIFA regulation height and width.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “goalpost”
- Using 'goalpost' as a verb (incorrect: *'They goalposted the target'). Confusing 'goalpost' with 'deadline' (a goalpost is a target, not a time limit).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a single, closed compound word: 'goalpost'.
No, 'goalpost' is not standardly used as a verb. The action is described with verbs like 'move', 'shift', or 'hit' the goalposts.
The 'goalpost' is the physical upright structure. The 'goal line' is the line on the ground between the goalposts which the ball must cross to score a goal or touchdown.
Yes, it almost always has a negative connotation, implying unfairness, unpredictability, or a lack of integrity from the person or group changing the rules.
One of the two vertical posts, often connected by a crossbar, which form the goal in sports such as football (soccer), rugby, or American football.
Goalpost is usually neutral to informal; technical in sports contexts. in register.
Goalpost: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡəʊl.pəʊst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡoʊl.poʊst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “move the goalposts”
- “shift the goalposts”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GOAL you want to reach. To mark it, you put up a POST. A GOALPOST marks where the goal is. If someone moves it, your target changes unfairly.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TARGET/OBJECTIVE IS A PHYSICAL GOAL (e.g., 'We're moving the goalposts', 'Hit the target'). LIFE IS A SPORTING CONTEST.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'move the goalposts' most appropriately used?