jump through hoops

Idioms  

1. Do just about anything to please someone. For example, The boss expects the entire staff to jump through hoops for him, or This violinist will jump through hoops for the conductor. This metaphoric expression alludes to trained circus animals jumping through hoops. [Early 1900s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

jump through hoops

He doesn’t force his characters to jump through hoops.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026

The rules vary widely, and hospitals often make you jump through hoops, but some do offer aid even to people who qualify as middle-class.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 18, 2026

"They've made me jump through hoops," the senior data analyst for the NHS says.

From BBC ● Mar. 31, 2026

“People shouldn’t have to jump through hoops and prove their pain to have access to the care they need,” she said.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 13, 2024

Clowns spill out of a car onstage while tigers jump through hoops of fire.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston