rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic

Definition

To do something pointless or insignificant that will soon be overtaken by events, or that contributes nothing to the solution of a current problem.

Etymology

The Titanic was an ocean liner that sank on the morning of April 15, 1912 after striking an iceberg. The phrase rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic implies trying to move the chairs on the deck around while the ship is sinking, a pointless activity.

Example Sentences

• "All the new people want an office close to the President's. You should see them scramble. It's like fighting for a deck chair on the Titanic."
• "Administrators are running around straightening out deck chairs while the Titanic goes down."
• "I'm not going to rearrange the furniture on the deck of the Titanic."