three-ring circus

Noun

three-ring circus (plural three-ring circuses)

1. A large circus in which three separate performances, each within its own circular enclosure, are staged simultaneously before a single audience.

   Synonyms:

   pandemonium

2. (broadly, idiomatic) A disorderly, complicated, rapidly changing situation or set of events, which is a source of bewilderment, amazement, or amusement.
   • Indoor track can be a three-ring circus, with so much going on in the space of a few evening hours that the fans hardly know where to look first.1963 February 22, “Sport: Look! Another Record”, in Time
   • British television viewers had seen how proceedings in US courtrooms can almost turn into a three-ring circus during the OJ Simpson trial.1997 November 1, Kim Sengupta, “Nanny Trial: Sharp contrast in US justice style”, in The Independent, UK, retrieved 28 Jun 2012

   Synonyms:

   commotion