jump through hoops

Meaning: To go through many difficult or pointless steps to get something.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Example: “We had to jump through hoops to get the permit.”

Category: Animals

Origin: Like circus animals trained to leap through hoops on command. The figurative sense is from the 20th century.

Equivalents in other languages

slow and steady wins the race — Patience and persistence succeed better than haste.
like a duck to water — Naturally and easily, as if born to it.
kill the goose that lays the golden eggs — To destroy a source of profit out of greed.
with one's tail between one's legs — Humiliated and defeated.
a workhorse — A person or machine that does a large amount of hard, reliable work.
bite the hand that feeds you — To harm or insult someone who helps you.

a parting shot — A final sharp remark made while leaving.
grease someone's palm — To bribe someone.
set the record straight — To correct a mistaken account or misunderstanding.
a damp squib — Something expected to be impressive that turns out a disappointment.
no contest — Said when one side is clearly better and there is no real competition.
don't shoot the messenger — Don't blame the person who brings bad news.

Shinrin-yoku — Immersing yourself in the atmosphere of a forest — soaking up its calm through all your s…
Waldeinsamkeit — The serene, faintly mystical feeling of being alone in the woods, at peace with nature.
Meriggiare — To take a quiet midday rest in a cool, shaded spot, escaping the fierce afternoon sun.