ENGLISH
REFERENCE

coals to Newcastle

idiom
Meaning

A pointless venture, in the sense of sending something to a place where it is made, or where they already have an abundance.

Origin

disputed origin

From the importance of Newcastle upon Tyne to the English coal industry.

Examples
SIMPLE

Bringing extra snacks to the party is like carrying coals to Newcastle.

CONTEXTUAL

Offering to teach the expert how to use the software was like carrying coals to Newcastle.

COMPLEX

To gift the renowned vineyard owner a case of local wine was, in essence, carrying coals to Newcastle.

Anchors to
Related idioms3entries
  1. 01

    carry coals to Newcastle

    To do something that is unneeded or redundant.

  2. 02

    haul someone over the coals

    To express anger with someone in no uncertain terms when they do something wrong.

  3. 03

    rake over the coals

    To call to task or to reprimand severely.

© 2026 English Reference