circus

Definitions

Latin circus meant a 'ring' — the Romans' great oval racetracks were called the Circus (Circus Maximus). The modern circus kept the round shape: acts are staged in a circular ring. The figurative sense ('a media circus,' 'a three-ring circus') borrows the chaotic, attention-grabbing feel of the show.

Common Collocations

• 1.three-ring circus三环马戏团
• 2.circus act马戏表演
• 3.media circus媒体闹剧

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The children loved watching the acrobats at the circus.

• 2.

  The press turned the trial into a complete circus.