juggling act

noun

plural juggling acts
: an attempt to handle or deal with two or more things (such as obligations) at one time so as to satisfy often competing requirements
The movie portrays Howard's life as a perpetual juggling act between family and work.Linda Civitello
Finishing the mashed potatoes at the same time as the roast, the gravy, and the green beans can become quite a juggling act.Cook's Illustrated
Most of all, a certain balance has to be found between stealth, gunplay and action. … It's difficult for a movie to pull that juggling act off, let alone a game.Ross Adams

Examples of juggling act in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web School budgeting is a complex juggling act that often leaves superintendents walking a tightrope between financial constraints and public demands. Frank Ricci, National Review, 20 Jan. 2024 A day spent in her company, from 7 a.m. to midnight, offers a glimpse into an increasingly complex juggling act. Ellen Barry, BostonGlobe.com, 6 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'juggling act.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of juggling act was in 1941

Dictionary Entries Near juggling act

Cite this Entry

“Juggling act.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juggling%20act. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

juggling act

noun
: an attempt to handle or deal with two or more things (such as tasks) at one time so as to satisfy often competing requirements
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