carry coals to Newcastle: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘carry coals to Newcastle’ mean?
The idiom carry coals to Newcastle means to do something pointless or unnecessary, as it refers to the practice of bringing coal to Newcastle, a city in England known for its abundance of coal.
Idiom Explorer
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Curious Journey: 'Carry Coals'
The idiom "carry coals to Newcastle" is an English expression that means to do something redundant or unnecessary. It originated in the city of Newcastle upon Tyne in England. Newcastle has a long history of coal mining and exports and has been a significant center for the coal industry. Given the city's ample supply of coal, bringing more coals to Newcastle would be completely pointless and redundant.
The exact origin of the idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in the 17th century when Newcastle was a prominent coal producer and exporter. The idiom likely developed as a reflection of the absurdity and futility of attempting to bring coal to a city that was already overflowing with it. It was first recorded in Richard Franck's book "Northern Memoirs" in 1658, where he stated, "To Newcastle would I go and carry Coals thither."
The idiom gained popularity over time and became firmly established in the English language. It is a vivid metaphor that conveys the idea of doing something that is unnecessary or redundant. The idiom has also been used in other countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, where coal mining and production are significant industries.
The idiom is often used figuratively to describe situations where people engage in activities that are completely unnecessary. For example, bringing umbrellas to a place where it never rains would be akin to carrying coals to Newcastle. It is frequently employed in various domains, including business, politics, and everyday conversations, to highlight situations where an action or effort is redundant.
It is worth noting that the idiom has transitioned from its literal meaning to a more metaphorical usage over time. While coal mining remains part of Newcastle's history and culture, the idiom's origin in the city's coal industry is more of a historical reference now. Today, it primarily serves as a linguistic artifact, embodying the concept of redundancy and reminding us of the peculiarities of language and cultural expressions.
The idiom "carry coals to Newcastle" encapsulates the complex nature of language and idiomatic expressions. Its historical association with the city of Newcastle and the coal industry adds depth to its meaning. However, like many idioms, it possesses an elusive quality that leaves room for interpretation and personal reflection. While some idioms fade away or lose their relevance over time, the idiom "carry coals to Newcastle" persists, continuing to intrigue and engage those who encounter its enigmatic charm.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *carry coals to Newcastle* can be used in a sentence:
1. She offered to bake homemade cookies for the school bake sale, but it was like carrying coals to Newcastle because there were already so many delicious treats.
2. Bringing an umbrella to Seattle is like carrying coals to Newcastle, as it rains there frequently.
3. The company decided to open a new coffee shop in Italy, which is known for its espresso culture, but it felt like carrying coals to Newcastle because there were already numerous famous coffee shops in every corner.
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