three-ring circus, n. phr.
A scene that is confused, wild, and noisy. The term was used originally for circus performances that had three rings, or centers for performance, allowing for different acts at the same time (e.g., elephants, trapeze artists). For a confused scene, sometimes just circus is used.
• The conference was poorly planned. It was a three-ring circus!
• With four children, Kelly’s life had turned into a bit of a circus.
The Circus: The word circus comes from Latin, meaning “circle.” Modern circuses began in Europe in the 1700s. They typically are an arena (a place for performances or sports) in a tent. They have performances with elephants, lions, and other animals, and by people—acrobats with amazing physical skills and trapeze artists who swing through the air with ropes. In recent years, many famous circuses have been forced to close because of cruel treatment of animals.
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