jump through hoops
Meaning
To go through many difficult, often unnecessary steps or bureaucratic requirements to achieve something.
Origin
From circus/animal acts where performers literally jump through hoops; it became a metaphor for being made to perform difficult tricks or comply with demanding conditions to satisfy someone.
Notes
Often implies frustration: the steps feel excessive or arbitrary. Common with bureaucracy, applications, approvals. Frequently used with “to get/for” or “be made to.”
Examples
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To get reimbursed, I had to jump through hoops and fill out three different forms.
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She felt like she was jumping through hoops just to schedule a simple appointment.
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Small businesses shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to apply for a basic permit.
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We jumped through hoops to meet the client’s last-minute security requirements.
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If you want to transfer credits, the university makes you jump through hoops.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a verb phrase: “jump through hoops (to do sth / for sb).” Often plural “hoops”; “jump through a hoop” exists but is less common. Can be passive: “be made to jump through hoops.”
Synonyms
- go through the motions
- go through a lot
- bend over backward
- run the gauntlet
- navigate red tape
Antonyms
- have it easy
- sail through
- get a free pass