three-ring circus

or three-ringed circus

[ three-ring ]

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of three-ring circus¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

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.

Example Sentences

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Salon

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

From Literature

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

From Seattle Times

The onetime mayor and news anchor whose namesake TV show featured a three-ring circus of dysfunctional guests willing to bare all - sometimes literally - as they brawled and hurled obscenities before a raucous audience.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• circus