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

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

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