In A Bug’s Life, the circus ringmaster is a flea. It’s a flea circus.
Admittedly I had heard the term “flea circus” my entire life but only this morning looked up what it actually was. I mean it’s pretty straightforward, a bunch of fleas made to look like they’re in a circus, but I was missing the history and context.
I can’t think of anything, and I’m not sure if that means I just can’t remember anything specific, I never misunderstood the joke, or I continue to misunderstand the jokes to this day… 🤔
My dad almost always explained jokes meant for the adults when I’d watch a kids movie with my parents growing up, so it really could be any of those 3 possibilities.