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.
Origin
1880-85, Americanism
Examples from the web for three-ring circus
Operating a banana plantation is as complicated as a three-ring circus or an army in the field.
Teachers are aware that sometimes they must conduct a three-ring circus.
It was evident early on that this would be a three-ring circus, our attention being pulled in many directions.
He sees his house as a combination three-ring circus and zoo.
There will be but one other parade during the nine days' stay of the three-ring circus that may be seen after noon or evening.
There was more going on yesterday than attractions at a three-ring circus.
British Dictionary definitions for three-ring circus
three-ring circus
noun (US & Canadian)
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
Idioms and Phrases with three-ring circus
three-ring circus
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.