What does the idiom fiddle while Rome burns mean?

The idiom "fiddle while Rome burns" means to engage in trivial or self-indulgent activities while serious problems or disasters are occurring.

It is a metaphor that originated from the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, where the Roman emperor Nero was said to have been playing the lyre (a string instrument) while the city burned.

Here's how the idiom is used:

* "The company's board of directors were fiddling while Rome burned, ignoring the warnings about the impending financial crisis."

* "While the country was facing a severe drought, politicians were fiddling while Rome burned, arguing over petty matters."

The idiom emphasizes the importance of addressing serious issues instead of ignoring them or focusing on frivolous matters.