jump through hoops

[Ilshat]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #527 "English Slang Idioms (111)", question 1

Many people in America believe that college is more about proving one can ......... than getting an education that actually prepares you for a career.

(a) dodge the bullet
(b) mimic a clown
(c) reinvent the wheel
(d) jump through hoops

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #527 "English Slang Idioms (111)", answer 1

Many people in America believe that college is more about proving one can jump through hoops than getting an education that actually prepares you for a career.

Correct answer: (d) jump through hoops
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Will be correct if I choose the fourth variant? And what's the meaning of this idiom then? Thanks a lot.

[Beeesneees]

Please observe that you have posted the correct answer yourself above the line.

To 'jump through hoops' is to make a great effort purely for the sake of appearance or demonstration, rather than for effective results.
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"Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett

[Ilshat]

Dear my teacher,

I appreciate your help very much. Your explanation is short and clear. I am so grateful to you and happy to have such experienced teachers.

Sincerely yours,
Ilshat

[Vladimir13]

Hi Teachers,

Would you like me please what does "college is more about proving" mean? I have my doubts about my right sense. How to say the same in other words?

Thank you,
Vladimir.
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My little horse must think it queer...

[Beeesneees]

Many people in America believe that the skills you display when you are in college do not actually prepare you for a career, but rather they only prove that you can make an effort for the sake of appearance.
_________________
"Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett