Jump through hoops

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Effort Connotation

The phrase suggests significant and sometimes frustrating effort is needed to achieve a goal.

To secure that loan, we really had to jump through hoops.

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Metaphorical Usage

It's used metaphorically, meaning the tasks aren't usually physical acts like actual hoop jumping.

The internship program made us jump through hoops just to qualify for an interview.

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Figuratively Speaking

Often used to describe bureaucratic or complicated procedures you have to follow.

There were so many hoops to jump through just to get a permit.