jump through hoops

USAGE SUMMARY

"jump through hoops" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to express doing a lot of difficult tasks in order to accomplish something. For example, "I had to jump through hoops to get the job done on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So you jump through hoops.

The Washington Post

Companies have to jump through hoops to be awarded them.

The Economist

"G.S.A. is required to jump through hoops," he said.

The New York Times

Not every bookstore is prepared to jump through hoops.

The New York Times

Gerta had to jump through hoops unheard of at Collegiate.

The New York Times

Leaders could no longer crack the whip and expect people to jump through hoops.

The Economist

Because it makes the language soar, and plunge, and jump through hoops.

The New York Times - Books

Ms. Bowers's lawyer, however, said she would "jump through hoops" to get her children back.

The New York Times

You have to jump through hoops to try to get people and then get them approved.

Independent

Mr. Hirst revels in revealing its machinery and making it jump through hoops.

The New York Times - Arts

Williams explained: "The Premier League made us jump through hoops and that's right.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "jump through hoops", ensure the context clearly indicates that the requirements are perceived as unnecessary, arbitrary, or overly complicated.

Common error

Avoid using "jump through hoops" when the effort required is genuinely necessary and reasonable. The phrase carries a negative connotation, implying the requirements are excessive or pointless.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic expression "jump through hoops" primarily functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI shows that it describes the action of expending considerable effort, often perceived as unnecessary or imposed by others, to fulfill requirements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiom "jump through hoops" is a very common expression used to describe expending considerable effort, often perceived as unnecessary, to meet arbitrary requirements. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide usage across various contexts. It's most frequently found in News & Media but can also be used, more rarely, in Formal & Business environment. When using the expression, it's important to consider its negative connotation and ensure that the context accurately reflects a situation where the requirements are genuinely perceived as excessive or pointless.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bend over backwards

Implies excessive effort and willingness to please.

go the extra mile

Focuses on exceeding expectations through extra effort.

move heaven and earth

Implies doing everything possible, regardless of difficulty.

work one's fingers to the bone

Highlights the intensity and exhaustion of the effort.

make great efforts

A more general term for putting in significant effort.

leave no stone unturned

Indicates a thorough and exhaustive search or effort.

exert oneself

A formal way of saying to make a considerable effort.

run the gauntlet

Focuses on enduring a series of challenges or criticisms.

strain every nerve

Suggests a high degree of mental or physical effort.

go through the motions

Suggests performing tasks without genuine enthusiasm or commitment, often as a formality.

FAQs

How to use "jump through hoops" in a sentence?

Use "jump through hoops" to describe a situation where someone has to expend unnecessary effort to meet arbitrary demands. For example, "The company made us "jump through hoops" to get approval for the project".

What does "jump through hoops" mean?

The phrase "jump through hoops" means to put forth a great deal of effort to meet requirements, often when those requirements are seen as unnecessary or overly complicated.

What can I say instead of "jump through hoops"?

You can use alternatives like "go the extra mile", "bend over backwards", or "make great efforts" depending on the context.

Is it better to "jump through hoops" or "go through the motions"?

"Jump through hoops" implies significant effort to meet demands, while "go through the motions" suggests performing tasks without genuine engagement or enthusiasm. Choose the phrase that best reflects the level of effort and attitude involved.