Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
three-ring circus
noun
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
▪ The contract negotiations have turned into a three-ring circus.
EXAMPLES FROM CORPUS
▪ Consequently, we had to move the whole three-ring circus to a new location overnight.
▪ His attempt at a dignified resignation had turned into a three-ring circus.
Wiktionary
three-ring circus
n. 1 A large circus in which three separate performances, each within its own circular enclosure, are staged simultaneously before a single audience. 2 (context idiomatic by extension English) A disorderly, complicated, rapidly changing situation or set of events, which is a source of bewilderment, amazement, or amusement.
WordNet
three-ring circus
n. a circus with simultaneous performances in three rings
Usage examples of "three-ring circus".
Watching with affection the squabbling, the interplay between siblings and spouses, was better than front-row seats at a three-ring circus.