Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
coals-to-newcastle
idiom
/ˈkoʊlz tə ˈnjuːkæsəl/
Definition
To do something that is unnecessary or redundant, particularly when supplying something that is already plentiful in the target location.
Examples
- Bringing more bottled water to Florida in the summer is like selling coals to Newcastle.
- After she gifted him a sympathy card for his promotion, he joked that it was like sending coals to Newcastle.
- Trying to sell umbrellas in the rainforest is just like taking coals to Newcastle.
Meaning
This phrase originates from the idea that Newcastle was historically a major coal-producing area, so bringing coal to Newcastle would be an act of futility.
Synonyms
- Overkill
- Pointless effort
- Futile action
