THREE-RING CIRCUS Definition & Meaning

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three-ring circus

Or three-ringed circus

[three-ring]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a circus having three adjacent rings in which performances take place simultaneously.
something spectacular, tumultuous, entertaining, or full of confused action.
Our family reunions are always three-ring circuses.

three-ring circus

noun

a circus with three rings in which separate performances are carried on simultaneously
a situation of confusion, characterized by a bewildering variety of events or activities

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of three-ring circus¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

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Idioms and Phrases

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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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Many people still don't have the stomach to follow politics these days after the disappointment of the last election and the return of the Trump three-ring circus to Washington.

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The household in the 1970s was routinely described as a three-ring circus filled with rowdy kids, lost pets and haggard servants who often quit in frustration, saying Ethel was difficult to work for.

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There is nothing more grimly amusing than watching the GOP’s three-ring circus — which is both led by Donald Trump and staged exclusively for his benefit.

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In the distance, the great white tent of a three-ring circus appeared on a small island.

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A onetime Cincinnati mayor and news anchor, his namesake TV show featured a three-ring circus of dysfunctional guests.

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