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Carry, take, etc. coals to Newcastle

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Cultural Origin

The phrase originates from Newcastle, England, known for its coal production.

Illustration for Cultural Origin
Explaining snow to an Eskimo is like carrying coals to Newcastle.
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Idiomatic Usage

Use this phrase to express that an action is redundant.

Illustration for Idiomatic Usage
Donating ice in the Arctic is like taking coals to Newcastle.
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Cultural Understanding

Understand the irony by knowing Newcastle doesn't need more coal.

Illustration for Cultural Understanding
A solar panel salesman in the Sahara is like taking coals to Newcastle.
Visual representation of the word "Carry, take, etc. coals to Newcastle"

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