moving target

Register · Neutral Neutral — appropriate in most situations, both spoken and written, without sounding too casual or too stiff. CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

a goal or requirement that keeps changing while you try to hit it

Why this phrase?

The harder the target moves, the harder the aim.

Example

“Shipping against the roadmap is tricky when the requirements are a moving target.”

Dictionary details

Component words

moving target

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

easier said than done Neutral · CEFR B1

Something that sounds simple to do but is actually hard.

throw somebody in at the deep end Informal · CEFR B2

to make someone start a difficult task with little preparation or help

for the time being Neutral · CEFR B1

temporarily, until circumstances change

hang in there Informal · CEFR B1

to persevere and not give up despite difficulty

in a tight spot Informal · CEFR B1

in a difficult or dangerous situation

in hot water Informal · CEFR B1

In trouble or facing difficulty.

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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