Jump Through Hoops

To go through a series of overly complicated or unnecessary steps in order to achieve something.

Examples:

  • It's test after test — I feel like they're really making me jump through hoops for this position.
  • Small businesses shouldn't have to jump through hoops to access government support.

Origin: From the circus, where animals were trained to jump through hoops as entertainment.

Synonyms: go through red tape, meet endless requirements