Ummmmm
how about "like rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic" ie a futile activity?
( wotofco pissing in your swimming pool, Mon 18 May 2009, 23:45, archived)

Hmmm. I can only think of 'se tourner les pouces' meaning to twiddle one's thumbs.

( LimeyTreat Bitch. Lover. Child. Mother. Sinner. Saint., Mon 18 May 2009, 23:50, archived)