jump through hoops

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]

Example Sentences

"I am a blue badge holder and I have to pay because I am not computer literate," he says, arguing that "you have to jump through hoops to get this discount".

From BBC

The congressman, who is having conversations about a run for New York governor, per The Hill, has been hosting town halls where constituents are made to jump through hoops to prove they live in the district and verbally pledge to agree to follow a list of rules at the venue door.

From Salon

“I just have to jump through hoops and prove that it’s mine.”

From Los Angeles Times

Another issue is that sites like Polymarket require users to jump through hoops to place a bet.

From Salon

President Joe Biden touted the rule, posting on X this week, “It’s time airline passengers got the cash refunds they’re owed, without having to jump through hoops.”

From Seattle Times