What does “Coals to Newcastle” mean?
"Coals to Newcastle" means the act of doing something unnecessary or redundant.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Bringing sand to the beach is like taking coals to Newcastle.
Example
Selling umbrellas in a rainy city is like bringing coals to Newcastle.
Example
Telling a chef how to cook is like taking coals to Newcastle
Is “Coals to Newcastle” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Coals to Newcastle” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Coals to Newcastle” effectively in context?
You can use "Coals to Newcastle" to describe a situation where someone is doing something unnecessary or redundant. It emphasizes the futility of the action. For example, if someone is trying to sell umbrellas in a rainy city, you might say, 'Selling umbrellas in a rainy city is like bringing coals to Newcastle.'
- 1Gift Giving
Giving a book on basic math to a math professor is like taking coals to Newcastle.
- 2Advice
Telling an experienced musician how to play their instrument is like bringing coals to Newcastle.
- 3Competition
Entering a hot dog eating contest with a professional competitive eater is like taking coals to Newcastle.
Similar phrases to “Coals to Newcastle”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Coals to Newcastle” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Coals to Newcastle" dates back to the 17th century. Newcastle, a city in England, was known for its abundant coal mines and was a major exporter of coal. The phrase originated from the fact that it would be pointless to bring coal to Newcastle since the city already had an abundance of it.
Is “Coals to Newcastle” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Coals to Newcastle" is a well-known idiom in everyday conversation. While it may not be used as frequently as some other idioms, it is still commonly understood and used to convey the idea of doing something unnecessary or redundant.
What tone does “Coals to Newcastle” have?
"Coals to Newcastle" conveys a tone of irony and emphasizes the pointlessness of an action. It is often used humorously to highlight the absurdity of a situation.
Can “Coals to Newcastle” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Coals to Newcastle" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in casual conversations with friends or in more formal situations such as presentations or writing.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Bringing more food to the potluck is like taking coals to Newcastle.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Coals to Newcastle!' to imply the futility of a certain action.
