English Explanatory Dictionary

fiddle while Rome burns

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. 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.

Pronunciation

en-au-fiddle while Rome burns.ogg

Word forms

fiddle while Rome burns fiddles while Rome burns fiddling while Rome burns fiddled while Rome burned fiddled while Rome burnt fiddle whilst Rome burns

Etymology

From the ancient rumour that the Roman emperor Nero played a lyre during the Great Fire of Rome (AD 64).

Synonyms

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

Related words

rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic bury one's head in the sand
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