goal

fall short of one's goal(s) and fall short of the goal(s); fall short of the record

to fail to achieve a goal. We fell short of our goal of collecting a thousand dollars. Ann ran a fast race, but fell short of the record.

See also: fall, short

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an own goal  (British)

something that someone does to try to get an advantage, but which makes a situation worse for them

Usage notes: In sport, an own goal is when someone scores a point for the opposite team by mistake.

The publishing industry believes that new regulations on recycling paper will be an environmental own goal. The government has scored an own goal with its harsh treatment of single parents.

move the goalposts  (British, American & Australian) also move the goal (American)

to change the rules in a situation in a way that is not fair, usually in order to make it more difficult for someone to achieve something My boss is never satisfied. Whenever I think I've done what he wants, he moves the goalposts.

See also: move