mission creep

noun

1. the tendency for a task, esp a military operation, to become unintentionally wider in scope than its initial objectives

Example Sentences

We could call it mission creep.

From Salon

They also never authorized most of CEQA’s judicial mission creep.

From Los Angeles Times

But law enforcement agencies across Southern California and the country already employ drones for a variety of purposes, including 911 response, and skeptics warn about the risk of “mission creep” when the technology is weaponized or used for surveillance.

From Los Angeles Times

Although drones may be intended only for specific circumstances such as 911 calls, Khan is worried they will become more ubiquitous as time goes on, with “mission creep” eventually leading to more dangerous applications.

From Los Angeles Times

“We are seeing mission creep,” Humphreville said.

From Los Angeles Times