move the yardsticks: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘move the yardsticks’ mean?
The idiom "move the yardsticks" means to change the criteria or standards by which something is measured or evaluated, often in one's favor, in order to achieve a desired outcome or advantage.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "raise the bar" means to set a higher standard or expectation for something, often with the intention of encouraging improvement or achieving a higher level of performance.
The idiom "put to the test" means to evaluate or assess something or someone to determine their capabilities or suitability in a specific situation or challenge.
The idiom "put something into perspective" means to consider a situation or issue in relation to its true importance or significance, in order to gain a better understanding or judgment of it.
The idiom "move through the gears" means to progressively increase speed or intensity, usually from a slower or lower level to a faster or higher level.
The idiom "move the needle" means to make a significant impact or achieve noticeable progress in a particular situation or goal.
The idiom "move the goalposts" means to change the rules or requirements of a situation or task in order to make it more difficult for someone to achieve success or meet their goals.
The idiom "move out" means to leave a particular place or to vacate one's current residence. It implies a change in one's living situation or relocation to a new place.
The idiom "move on" means to leave a situation or past event behind and continue with one's life or focus on something else.
The idiom "move mountains" means to do something extremely difficult or achieve the impossible, often in the face of great obstacles or challenges.
Hidden Yardstick Decode
The idiom "move the yardsticks" is rooted in American football and is used figuratively to describe the act of making progress or advancing towards a goal. It is often used in contexts that involve measuring or evaluating progress or success.
The phrase incorporates the concept of yardsticks, which are long, slender rods or sticks used for measuring length or distance. In American football, yardsticks are used to mark the distances between the goal lines and indicate the positions of the offensive team.
In American football, the offense tries to move the ball down the field and score points by crossing the opponent's goal line. The yardsticks play a crucial role in determining the progress made by the offensive team, as they are moved forward or backward along the field to reflect the gained or lost yards during each play.
When the idiom "move the yardsticks" is used, it implies a metaphorical application of this concept to situations outside of football. It suggests the idea of making incremental progress or achieving small victories towards a larger goal or objective. Just as the yardsticks are moved forward in football to signify progress, individuals or organizations can use this idiom to indicate their advancement or success.
This idiom is typically used in contexts that involve setting goals, measuring achievements, or assessing progress. It can be employed in various domains, such as business, education, personal growth, or any situation where progress can be tracked or measured.
By invoking the image of moving the yardsticks, the idiom emphasizes the importance of incremental progress and highlights the significance of small steps towards the ultimate objective. It suggests that even small advancements should be celebrated and acknowledged, as they contribute to the overall progress and eventual success.
The idiom "move the goalposts" is another phrase that shares a similar meaning to "move the yardsticks." This idiom is derived from the sport of football, specifically soccer, where the goalposts are the vertical bars that mark the goal. In the context of the idiom, "move the goalposts" means to change the rules or requirements of a situation or goal in order to make it more difficult or to hinder progress.
The idiom "move the needle" is also related to "move the yardsticks." It comes from the concept of a needle on a measuring instrument, such as a gauge or meter, which indicates a specific measurement. In the context of the idiom, "move the needle" means to make a significant impact or change in a particular measure or indicator, often used in business or performance evaluations. It implies that an action or event has caused a notable shift or improvement in a certain aspect.
The idiom "move the yardsticks" draws upon the imagery of American football to symbolize progress and advancement towards a goal. It conveys the idea of incremental progress and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging small victories and milestones along the way. By using this metaphorical idiom, individuals and organizations can convey their determination, resilience, and commitment to achieving their objectives, regardless of the challenges they may face. The idiom leaves room for reflection on the ongoing pursuit of progress and the potential for further advancement as individuals continue to move their own metaphorical yardsticks.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "move the yardsticks" can be used in a sentence:
- After receiving feedback on her performance, the employee implemented several improvements to move the yardsticks and impress her boss.
- The coach constantly urges his players to push harder, in order to move the yardsticks and achieve new levels of success.
- In order to measure progress, the company set specific goals and regularly reviewed them to see if they were able to move the yardsticks.
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