Choose the correct meaning of the given idiom/phrase from the options:
"Jump through hoops"
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer
To go through many difficulties
Explanation
The question asks for the correct meaning of the idiom "Jump through hoops".
The phrase "jump through hoops" is a figurative expression that means to overcome a series of complicated, tedious, or difficult obstacles and bureaucratic tasks in order to accomplish a specific goal. The idiom comes from the imagery of trained circus animals being forced to leap through hoops to please a trainer. Therefore, To go through many difficulties is the correct answer.
The other options are incorrect because they mistake the figurative meaning:
To be very happy relates to emotions, not overcoming obstacles.
To perform tricks is a literal interpretation based on circus animals, but idioms must be understood figuratively.
To escape quickly means to flee a situation, which does not match the concept of completing tasks or dealing with hurdles.
Key Points
When a bureaucracy makes you fill out dozens of forms and attend multiple interviews just to get a simple license, they are making you jump through hoops. Always look for options mentioning "efforts," "difficulties," or "complicated steps" when this idiom appears on tests.