Literally, to play the fiddle (or violin) during the burning of Rome.
2.
British EnglishAmerican EnglishGlobal Englishformalinformalidiomatic
Figuratively, to attend to trivial or self-indulgent activities while neglecting a serious crisis or urgent duty; to fail to take appropriate action in the face of disaster.
Examples:
EN: Is this how I raised you? To fiddle while Rome burns?
ES: ¿Os enseñé a hacer el memo mientras se acaba el mundo?
EN: A government that chooses to play the fiddle while Rome burns.