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REFERENCE

jump through hoops

idiom
Meaning

To put forth great effort to meet requirements, usually arbitrary, set by someone.


Origin

disputed origin

Reminiscent of a circus animal performing tricks by jumping through hoops.

Examples
SIMPLE

I have to jump through hoops to get this permit.

CONTEXTUAL

The bank made us jump through hoops just to approve our small business loan.

COMPLEX

Despite his impressive qualifications, the candidate was forced to jump through hoops before the committee would even consider his application.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    go jump in the lake

    Used to tell someone to go away, or that their request will not be met.

  2. 02

    go jump off a building

    Used to tell someone to go away, or that their request will not be met.

  3. 03

    go jump off a cliff

    Used to tell someone to go away, or that their request will not be met.

  4. 04

    jump at

    To accept something enthusiastically. Usually an opportunity, or chance, or job etc.

  5. 05

    jump at the chance

    To immediately accept an offer; to seize an opportunity.

  6. 06

    jump at the opportunity

    To immediately seize a particular opportunity.

  7. 07

    jump before one is pushed

    to perform an action before being forced to do so.

  8. 08

    jump down someone's throat

    To criticise with excessive and unexpected harshness.

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