Coals to Newcastle - Carry

Definitions

• unnecessary or pointless action
  To take or bring something to a place or person where it is already abundant or readily available

• fruitless effort
  To undertake a task or action that will not result in any significant gain or benefit

• redundant or superfluous action
  To engage in a task or activity that is already being carried out by someone else, making one's own efforts unnecessary

Examples of Coals to Newcastle - Carry

Conclusion

The idiom "coals to Newcastle" refers to the act of doing something that is unnecessary, pointless, or redundant. It can also suggest a fruitless or futile effort, as the action being taken will not result in any meaningful gain or benefit. The phrase is typically used to caution against engaging in such actions and to highlight their lack of value or purpose.

Origin of "Coals to Newcastle - Carry"

The idiom "coals to Newcastle" originated from the city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in England, which was known for its coal mining and production. The phrase "carry coals to Newcastle" was first recorded in the late 16th century, when the city was already a major exporter of coal to other regions in England and Europe. Therefore, bringing or carrying coals to Newcastle would have been a completely unnecessary and redundant action, as the city was already abundant in coal.

Over time, the phrase evolved to encompass any action that was deemed unnecessary or redundant, regardless of its relation to the city of Newcastle or the coal industry. Today, it is commonly used in English-speaking countries to caution against engaging in pointless or futile tasks or to highlight the absurdity of a particular action.