jump through hoops

Etymology
Reminiscent of a circus animal performing tricks by jumping through hoops.

Verb

 * 1)  To put forth great effort to meet requirements, usually arbitrary, set by someone.
 * They really made the salesman jump through hoops before buying anything.
 * They really made the salesman jump through hoops before buying anything.
 * They really made the salesman jump through hoops before buying anything.
 * They really made the salesman jump through hoops before buying anything.