big top

• Terme désignant le grand chapiteau d'un cirque, en particulier celui où se déroulent les représentations. Il peut aussi désigner par métonymie le cirque lui-même ou le monde du cirque.

A term referring to the main tent of a circus, especially the large tent where performances take place. It can also be used metonymically to refer to the circus itself or the circus world.

1. Main circus tentB1informal

   The large tent where the main circus performance takes place.

   chapiteau principal

   • The children were excited to enter the big top.
   • The acrobats performed under the big top.
   • The big top was decorated with colorful flags.

2. Circus as an institutionB2informal

   Used metonymically to refer to the circus itself or its world.

   Le monde du cirque

   • He ran away to join the big top.
   • The big top has a long tradition of entertainment.
   • Life under the big top is full of adventure.