deckchairs

be like rearranging (the) deckchairs on the Titanic

To be a task, activity, or course of action that will ultimately prove trivial or futile in its possible effect or outcome. You're giving the baby a bath before we eat spaghetti? That's like rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic.
See also: deckchairs, like, on, rearrange, titanic

move (the) deckchairs on the Titanic

To partake in or undertake some task, activity, or course of action that will ultimately prove trivial or futile in its possible effect or outcome. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. For all his blustering about overhauling the education system, the prime minister might as well have been moving the deckchairs on the Titanic for all the good these proposals will do. You're applying for arts council funding? Why don't you just move deckchairs on the Titanic while you're at it?
See also: deckchairs, move, on, titanic

rearrange (the) deckchairs on the Titanic

To partake in or undertake some task, activity, or course of action that will ultimately prove trivial or futile in its possible effect or outcome. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. For all his blustering about overhauling the education system, the prime minister might as well have been rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic for all the good these proposals will do. You're applying for arts council funding? Why don't you just rearrange deckchairs on the Titanic while you're at it?
See also: deckchairs, on, rearrange, titanic

shift (the) deckchairs on the Titanic

To partake in or undertake some task, activity, or course of action that will ultimately prove trivial or futile in its possible effect or outcome. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. For all his blustering about overhauling the education system, the prime minister might as well have been shifting the deckchairs on the Titanic for all the good these proposals will do. You're applying for arts council funding? Why don't you just shift deckchairs on the Titanic while you're at it?
See also: deckchairs, on, shift, titanic
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

rearrange the ˌdeckchairs on the Tiˈtanic

if something is like rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic, it is an activity that is not worth doing because it cannot improve the situation: None of the staff believe that the new system will improve anything. It’s simply a case of rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic.This expression refers to the famous ship that sank after hitting an iceberg on its first voyage.
See also: deckchairs, on, rearrange, titanic
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • be like rearranging (the) deckchairs on the Titanic
  • move (the) deckchairs on the Titanic
  • rearrange (the) deckchairs on the Titanic
  • rearrange the deckchairs on the Titanic
  • shift (the) deckchairs on the Titanic
  • run in circles
  • balls around
  • be running around in circles
  • be no mean (something)
  • be no mean...
References in periodicals archive
At Kidderminster, visitors can sit back and relax on deckchairs, see Punch & Judy shows, join in fete games, pick up a tasty treat from a range of stalls or have a picnic as the trains steam by.
Grab your lollies for seaside fun on rail line
"That's where the idea of luxury deckchairs came from.
Jamie's high hopes for cheeky plan
Deckchair hire costs PS2 per hour, or PS10 per day.
Jamie's business venture in Bath's historic Royal Crescent
And that's because former Lions battering ram Roberts, along with his partner Nicole Ramson and neighbour Sharron Jefferson, have started up a luxury deckchair hire business.
The unexpected business Jamie Roberts has set up with his girlfriend and neighbour; It's right on his doorstep
Single deckchair and beanbags are PS8.50 and double deckchairs and beanbags PS20.
Blockbusters to be screened in great outdoors
Single deckchair and bean bags are PS8.50 and double deckchairs and beanbags will cost PS20.
Magic of Harry Potter brought to city cathedral
Last year a company had to recall a whole range of deckchairs after people in various parts of the world had suffered trapped fingers.
Collapsing fortunes of the seaside deckchair
Committee chairman Lynne Caffrey said making it easier to access services, without increasing the number of services was like "rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic".
A forgotten generation are being failed by the system on Tyneside; WAITING times for children's mental health services are 'unacceptable'
SUPER-SIZE SANDPIT AND GIANT DECKCHAIRS Where: Compton Verney, Warwickshire, CV35 9HZ.
Discover world of adventures; SUNDAY, AUGUST 20, 2017 OUT & ABOUT
Sand, deckchairs and Caribbean music provided fun for visitors of all ages PETER REIMANN
Welcome to Stockton by the sea!
Lounge outside on any of Modani's trendy modern deckchairs. Markdowns will be included on contemporary pieces like the Spezia Modern Deckchair Teak ($740 org.
Modani Furniture Announces Outdoor Clearance Sale
The urban beach and deckchairs are free and this year, there will be a new, covered beach for toddlers.
Sun, sand... no sea, but plenty of fun
Leaf it out this summer with palm prints popping up on everything from dresses to deckchairs.
keep palm & carry on
CARDIFF Bay Beach got off to a flying start as the sunshine meant deckchairs were filled and the sun cream was out.
SUN AND SAND IN THE CAPITAL