fiddle while Rome burns

Meaning

Verb

• To neglect helping when one’s time is needed most; to ignore the major problem at hand (whilst doing something less important); to be idle, inactive, or uninterested in a time of great need.

Related

Similar words

• sit on one's hands
• sit on one's thumbs

Origin

• From the ancient rumour that the Roman emperor Nero played a lyre whilst the city of Rome was burning.