Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
fiddle-while-rome-burns
Idiomatic expression
/ˈfɪd.əl waɪl roʊm bɜrnz/
Definition
To occupy oneself with trivial matters and neglect important issues, especially in a time of crisis.
Examples
- While the company struggled financially, the CEO seemed to fiddle-while-Rome-burns, attending lavish parties instead of addressing the issues.
- During the negotiation, she fiddled-while-Rome-burns, choosing to scroll through her phone while important points were discussed.
Meaning
The phrase implies being carefree or doing something unimportant when one should be focused on serious problems.
Synonyms
- Ignore the crisis
- Neglect serious matters
- Play while your house is on fire
