Three-ring circus
or three-ringed circus
[three-ring] /ˈθriˌrɪŋ/
noun
1.
a circus having three adjacent rings in which performances take place simultaneously.
2.
something spectacular, tumultuous, entertaining, or full of confused action:
Our family reunions are always three-ring circuses.
three-ring circus
noun (US & Canadian)
1.
a circus with three rings in which separate performances are carried on simultaneously
2.
a situation of confusion, characterized by a bewildering variety of events or activities
three-ring circus
A situation of complete confusion, as in It was a three-ring circus, with the baby crying, the dog barking, both telephones ringing, and someone at the front door. This term alludes to a circus where three rings or arenas are featuring performances simultaneously. Perhaps invented by show business impresario P.T. Barnum, the term was extended to other confused situations by about 1900.
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