goalpost

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Word: Goalpost

Part of Speech: Noun

Simple Definition: A goalpost is one of the two tall vertical posts that are set up at each end of a sports field, usually connected by a horizontal bar. These posts mark the area where players try to score points in games like soccer (football) or American football.

Usage Instructions:

• "Goalpost" is used primarily in sports contexts. When talking about scoring in games, you can refer to the "goalpost" to describe where the action takes place.

Example Sentence:

• "The soccer player kicked the ball towards the goalpost, hoping to score a goal."

Advanced Usage:

In a metaphorical sense, "goalpost" can also refer to a target or objective in life or work. For example, when someone talks about changing the "goalposts," they mean that the standards or expectations have changed, making it harder to achieve a goal.

Word Variants:

• Goalposts (plural): Refers to both posts together.
• Goalkeeping (related verb): The act of guarding the goal to prevent the opposing team from scoring.

Different Meaning:

• In a non-sporting context, "goalpost" can refer to shifting expectations or criteria in a discussion or project, as mentioned earlier.

Synonyms:

• Posts: This is a more general term that can refer to any upright structure.
• Goals: In a sports context, this can refer to the entire area (posts and crossbar), while in a personal context, it refers to objectives or ambitions.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Changing the goalposts": This idiom means to alter the criteria or rules in a way that makes it more difficult to succeed.

  • Example: "The manager keeps changing the goalposts for the project deadlines, which is frustrating for the team."

• "Hit the target": While not directly related to "goalpost," this phrase means to achieve a goal.

Academic

Noun

1. one of a pair of posts (usually joined by a crossbar) that are set up as a goal at each end of a playing field