move the yardsticks: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  USUKGlobal Englishneutralformalidiomatic
  • To change the measures, standards, or criteria used to evaluate performance or results, thereby altering what counts as success.
  • To revise benchmarks or assessment tools so that comparisons or evaluations are affected.

  Examples

  Beta

  • The company moved the yardsticks by raising the sales targets for the quarter.

    The company changed the criteria used to evaluate performance by raising the sales targets.

  • Don’t move the yardsticks after the review process has started; it’s unfair to the employees.

    Don’t change the evaluation standards after the review process has started; it’s unfair to the employees.

  • They moved the yardsticks to make it harder for new applicants to qualify for the program.

    They changed the measures used to evaluate applicants, making it harder to qualify.

• 2.

  USUKneutral
  • To adjust literal measuring instruments (such as yardsticks) or the points at which measurements are taken.

  Examples

  Beta

  • The carpenter moved the yardsticks along the wall to mark where the shelves would be installed.

    The carpenter adjusted the measuring instruments along the wall to mark shelf positions.

  • We moved the yardsticks several times to get an accurate measurement of the room’s length.

    We adjusted the yardsticks multiple times to measure the room’s length accurately.

  • During the project, they moved the yardsticks to different points to check for levelness.

    During the project, they adjusted the measuring tools to different points to check for levelness.

  • He moved the yardstick carefully so as not to disturb the delicate surface beneath it.

    He adjusted the measuring instrument carefully to avoid disturbing the delicate surface.