'three-ring' originates from American English, specifically from the phrase 'three-ring circus', where 'three' meant '3' and 'ring' meant 'performance ring' or 'arena'.

'three-ring' developed from the concrete phrase 'three-ring circus' used in late 19th to early 20th century American circus practice (circuses that staged acts in three rings simultaneously) and was later shortened and used adjectivally.

Initially, it meant 'having three performance rings' (literal), but over time it evolved into a figurative meaning of 'spectacular, over-the-top, chaotic' when applied to events or situations.