circus act en · NOUN
Meanings
- A performance typical of a circus, such as tightrope walking or fire eating.
-
(figuratively) Anything absurd or convoluted; a rigmarole.
“What kind of circus act is this, Adams?” the Mayor shouted.
2007, C. R. Truitt, Messengers from the West Mountain, page 238:It's like those women who go to gay bars on a hen night because for them, we're a bloody circus act and it's a story to tell on their wedding day […]
2011, Timothy Brown, Civil Partnership, page 172:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| circus acts | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Synonyms
carry-on · palaver · riddle me ree · song and dance · rigmarole · riddle me ree · carry-on · circus act