Re: Rearanging the deck chairs on the titanic

Posted by Tempo on October 20, 2002

In Reply to: Re: Rearanging the deck chairs on the titanic posted by Word Camel on October 18, 2002

After posting this message, I checked its origin out :
"The unsinkable RMS Titanic left Southampton enroute to New York on April 10th 1912. Shortly before midnight on April 14th, the ship collided with an iceberg which pierced its hull. About two hours later, the ship sank. The story goes that as the ship was sinking, the band played "Nearer My God to Thee" on the deck, and that a number of passengers either played cards or exercised in the ship's gymnasium."To arrange deck chairs on the Titanic", or "To rearrange deck chairs on the Titanic" is used in English to mean a futile or pointless activity."

I wonder whether it can be used in everyday situation other than business one you've mentioned.

: : What is the exact meaning of this phrase?

: : I really appreciate your help.

: I believe the it is an analogy meant to illustrate the futility of concentrating on the trivial details of some enterprise that is ultimately doomed or in the midst of some serious crisis that can not be overcome.