three-ring circus

three-ring circus
/three"ring'/
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.
Also, three-ringed circus.
[1880-85, Amer.]

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Universalium. 2010.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • three-ring circus — n 1.) [singular] AmE informal a place or situation that is confusing because there is too much activity ▪ I don t know how you can work in that office it s like a three ring circus. 2.) [C usually singular] a ↑circus that has three areas in which …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • three-ring circus — noun count 1. ) a CIRCUS with three areas where people perform at the same time 2. ) INFORMAL a situation that is very busy, often in a way that you find unpleasant, confusing, or annoying: I don t know how Sue manages with those four kids it s a …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • three-ring circus — ☆ three ring circus [thrē′riŋ′ ] n. 1. a circus having three rings for simultaneous performances 2. any situation or event hilariously or confusingly packed with action …   English World dictionary

  • three-ring circus — noun a circus with simultaneous performances in three rings • Hypernyms: ↑circus * * * noun, pl ⋯ cuses [count] 1 : a circus that has three separate areas where performances occur at the same time 2 US, informal : a place with a lot of busy and… …   Useful english dictionary

  • three-ring circus — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms three ring circus : singular three ring circus plural three ring circuses mainly American 1) a circus with three areas where people perform at the same time 2) informal a situation that is very busy, often in a …   English dictionary

  • three-ring circus — {n.} A scene of much confusion or activity. * /The street was a three ring circus of cars, people, noise, and lights./ * /It is a three ring circus to watch that silly dog play./ …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • three-ring circus — {n.} A scene of much confusion or activity. * /The street was a three ring circus of cars, people, noise, and lights./ * /It is a three ring circus to watch that silly dog play./ …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • three-ring\ circus — noun A scene of much confusion or activity. The street was a three ring circus of cars, people, noise, and lights. It is a three ring circus to watch that silly dog play …   Словарь американских идиом

  • three-ring circus — noun (singular) AmE informal a place or situation that is confusing because there is too much activity: I don t know how you can work in that office it s like a three ring circus …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • three-ring circus — three′ ring (or three′ ringed ) cir′cus n. 1) a circus having three adjacent rings in which performances take place simultaneously 2) something spectacular, tumultuous, or entertaining • Etymology: 1880–85 …   From formal English to slang

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