circus act

English

Noun

circus act (plural circus acts)

1. A performance typical of a circus, such as tightrope walking or fire eating.
2. (figuratively) Anything absurd or convoluted; a rigmarole.
   • 2007, C. R. Truitt, Messengers from the West Mountain, page 238:

     “What kind of circus act is this, Adams?” the Mayor shouted.

   • 2011, Timothy Brown, Civil Partnership, page 172:

     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 […]