Buffoon of the big top? (7)
I believe the answer is:
fathead
'buffoon' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'big top?' is the wordplay.
'big' becomes 'fat' ().
'top?' becomes 'head' (head is a kind of top).
'fat'+'head'='FATHEAD'
'of the' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for fathead that I've seen before include "Fool" , "silly ass!" , "Stupid person" , "Slang idiot with enlarged cranium?" , "Dimwit" .)