put someone through the hoops

put (one) through the hoops

To force one to face, endure, or complete a challenge or series of challenges in pursuit of something. The boss really put me through the hoops to earn this corner office, believe me. I was doing everything from leading presentations to getting him coffee for months. The city puts all potential developers through the hoops before they're allowed to build.See also: hoop, put, through

put someone (or go) through the hoops

make someone undergo (or be made to undergo) a difficult and gruelling test or series of tests. 1994 Legion The crew was as fast and efficient as any they had put through the hoops. See also: hoop, put, someone, through