Carry, take, etc. coals to Newcastle
phrase
To do something that is unnecessary because it exists or has been done before.
Guidebooks are giving advice on where to buy tea in China - it's like carrying coals to Newcastle!
Often appears as...
- carrying coals to newcastle means
- like coals to newcastle
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To do something that is unnecessary because it exists or has been done before.
Guidebooks are giving advice on where to buy tea in China - it's like carrying coals to Newcastle!
Often appears as...
- carrying coals to newcastle means
- like coals to newcastle
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Origin
The phrase originates from Newcastle, England, known for its coal production.
Explaining snow to an Eskimo is like carrying coals to Newcastle.
Pro Tip 2/3Idiomatic Usage
Use this phrase to express that an action is redundant.
Donating ice in the Arctic is like taking coals to Newcastle.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Understanding
Understand the irony by knowing Newcastle doesn't need more coal.
A solar panel salesman in the Sahara is like taking coals to Newcastle.
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