coals to Newcastle: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘coals to Newcastle’ mean?
The idiom "coals to Newcastle" means doing something redundant or unnecessary, as Newcastle was historically a major producer of coal, making it unnecessary to bring more coal to the city.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "lead nowhere" means that a situation or action has no positive outcome or result. It implies that the efforts put into something are futile and will not lead to any productive or useful outcome.
The idiom "kill the goose that lays the golden eggs" means to destroy a valuable source of income or opportunity by being greedy or short-sighted.
The idiom "hiding to nothing" means to be in a situation where one is bound to fail or face certain defeat, regardless of the efforts made. It implies a futile or hopeless endeavor with no chance of success or favorable outcome.
The idiom "haul someone over the coals" means to scold or reprimand someone severely for their actions or behavior.
The idiom "go to Prestwich" means to go on a pointless or fruitless journey. It is derived from the British town of Prestwich, which is often seen as a destination with no particular purpose or attraction.
The idiom "go the way of" means to follow the same path or fate as something or someone, usually implying that the outcome will not be favorable or will result in obsolescence or extinction.
The idiom "go nowhere fast" means to make no progress or achieve no results despite putting in a lot of effort or time.
The idiom "go nowhere" means to make no progress or to have no effect. It can be used to describe a situation, a plan, or a person's actions that are unproductive or leading to no meaningful outcome.
Origins & Culture
The idiom "coals to Newcastle" is a phrase that originated in England and is known to have been used since the 17th century. It is used to describe the unnecessary or superfluous act of bringing something to a place where it is already abundant or readily available.
The idiom's origin can be traced back to the city of Newcastle upon Tyne in England, which is known for its coal mining industry. Newcastle was a major exporter of coal in the 17th and 18th centuries, providing fuel to various parts of England and beyond. The abundance of coal in Newcastle made it pointless and futile to import more coal to the city.
Over time, the idiom has gained popularity and has been used in various contexts to emphasize the unnecessary nature of certain actions or transactions. It has become a widely recognized expression in the English language and is often employed to illustrate a lack of practicality or common sense.
The idiom "coals to Newcastle" has stood the test of time, becoming an enduring symbol of futility and redundancy. Its usage serves as a reminder that in a world where abundance and efficiency are valued, it is essential to think critically and avoid unnecessary endeavors.
The idiom "carry coals to Newcastle" is a variation of the phrase "coals to Newcastle." It means to do something completely unnecessary or redundant. The addition of "carry" implies physical effort or labor involved in the unnecessary act. Just as it would be unnecessary to bring coal to a city known for its abundance of coal, it would also be unnecessary to do something that requires extra effort when it is not needed or already taken care of.
The idiom "kindle-coal" is another related phrase that refers to igniting or starting a fire with coal. It can be seen as a pragmatic or practical use of coal, highlighting its main purpose. In the context of the idiom "coals to Newcastle," "kindle-coal" emphasizes the redundancy of bringing coal to a place that already has an abundance of it available for the purpose of starting fires.
When considering the idioms "carry coals to Newcastle" and "kindle-coal" in relation to the original phrase "coals to Newcastle," we can see that they all revolve around the concept of redundancy. Whether it is the unnecessary act of bringing something to a place where it is already abundant or the futile effort of starting a fire with coal in a place where there is already an excess of it, these idioms serve as reminders of the importance of practicality and common sense.
Even though the coal industry has changed significantly since the 17th century, with Newcastle upon Tyne no longer being a major exporter of coal, the idiomatic expressions related to "coals to Newcastle" continue to be used today. They have found their place in everyday conversations, literature, and poetry, illustrating their lasting impact on the English language.
As we reflect on the rich history and linguistic significance of the idioms "coals to Newcastle," "carry coals to Newcastle," and "kindle-coal," we are reminded of the intricate ways in which language shapes our understanding of the world. These idioms bring a fascinating complexity to our everyday discourse, allowing us to convey ideas of redundancy, futility, and practicality in a succinct and vivid manner.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "coals to Newcastle" can be used in a sentence:
- He decided to donate money to the charity that helps homeless people in his hometown. It was like carrying coals to Newcastle, as the town already had enough organizations supporting the homeless.
- When the boss asked her to research the market potential for a new product in her field of expertise, she felt it was like taking coals to Newcastle since she already had all the relevant data and contacts.
- The travel agency's advertisement for a tropical vacation in an exotic island seemed like selling coals to Newcastle to the locals, who already lived in a tropical paradise.
More "Redundancy" idioms
