jumping through hoops

USAGE SUMMARY

"jumping through hoops" is a commonly used idiom in written English.
It is used to refer to the feeling of having to go through a lot of unnecessary steps or effort to get something done. For example, "I'm tired of jumping through hoops just to get approval from my boss for my work projects!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

University isn't about jumping through hoops, but developing original arguments.

The Guardian

She's jumping through hoops, her skin, hitting the ceiling, you know".

The New Yorker

He definitely enjoyed watching these white guys jumping through hoops over securing his services.

The Guardian - Music

"There were no really great apartments that were worth jumping through hoops over," Mr. Singer said.

The New York Times

We sensed that we were jumping through hoops, feeding an apparently insatiable appetite.

The Guardian - Film

The company's purchasing director, Alison Tester, said she found new suppliers "who have been jumping through hoops" to help.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Because she jumped through hoops for you.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

For years they jumped through hoops at Brussels's behest.

The Economist

Companies have to jump through hoops to be awarded them.

The Economist

Not every bookstore is prepared to jump through hoops.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "jumping through hoops" to describe situations where procedures or tasks are perceived as unnecessarily complicated or burdensome. Ensure the context clearly indicates the effort is disproportionate to the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "jumping through hoops" in highly formal or professional contexts. While widely understood, it can come across as too informal or colloquial in serious business or academic settings.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "jumping through hoops" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used as part of a larger clause. It describes the act of undergoing a series of actions or tasks, often perceived as unnecessary or overly complicated, in order to achieve a particular goal, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "jumping through hoops" is a common phrase used to describe situations where someone faces unnecessary or complicated procedures to achieve a goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely understood, though it may be too informal for highly professional or academic contexts. Its primary function is to express frustration or annoyance related to perceived inefficiencies. Common alternatives include "navigating red tape" and "going the extra mile", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Top sources that use the term include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

navigating red tape

Specifically addresses bureaucratic obstacles, aligning closely with the frustrating aspect of "jumping through hoops".

following a convoluted process

Focuses on the intricacy and complexity of the procedure.

satisfying excessive requirements

Underscores the feeling of overbearing expectations.

going the extra mile

Involves exceeding expectations, whereas "jumping through hoops" focuses on dealing with complicated procedures.

bending over backwards

Implies great effort and willingness to help, while "jumping through hoops" suggests a burdensome process.

running around in circles

Emphasizes the futile and non-progressive nature of the effort.

performing elaborate tasks

Highlights the complexity and labor involved, similar to the effort in "jumping through hoops".

ticking all the boxes

Emphasizes compliance with multiple requirements.

going through the motions

Implies a lack of real progress or purpose in the actions taken.

playing the game

Implies conforming to certain rules, which might be unnecessary.

FAQs

How can I use "jumping through hoops" in a sentence?

You can use "jumping through hoops" to describe a situation where someone has to go through many unnecessary steps to achieve something. For example, "I had to do a lot of "jumping through hoops" to get my visa approved".

What's a less informal way to say "jumping through hoops"?

If you need a more formal alternative, consider using phrases like "navigating red tape", "satisfying excessive requirements", or "addressing onerous procedures".

Is it always negative to "jump through hoops"?

While generally negative, implying unnecessary effort, "jumping through hoops" can sometimes be used neutrally. It depends on whether the speaker believes the effort is justified or not. The phrase is mostly used when there is a perception of disproportional effort. If there is a positive tone instead, then it is better to use something like "going the extra mile".

What is the difference between "jumping through hoops" and "bending over backwards"?

"Jumping through hoops" often suggests a frustrating process with imposed requirements. "Bending over backwards" implies a voluntary effort to help someone, even if it's inconvenient.