one of two upright posts with a horizontal bar on top that together form the goal in sports such as soccer, American football, and rugby
The soccer player kicked the ball wide of the goalpost.
They painted the goalposts bright white for the new season.
✦ From early 19th century: 'goal' (the target in a game) + 'post' (an upright support).
a target, standard, or requirement that must be achieved, especially one that is changed unfairly after agreement (usually used in the plural as 'goalposts')
The manager moved the goalposts by adding new requirements at the last minute.
Negotiators accused them of moving the goalposts on the trade deal.
✦ Figurative extension from the literal sports sense in the late 20th century.
