Coals to newcastle Meaning in English

expression

US

KOHLZ tuh noo-KA-suhl

UK

KUHLZ tuh NYOO-KAH-suhl

Definition

An idiom meaning to do something pointless or unnecessary because it is already well supplied, like bringing coal to a place famous for coal.

Usage & Nuances

British English origin; rarely used in American English. Used to highlight unnecessary or redundant actions—usually with a hint of humor or criticism. Common variants: 'like carrying coals to Newcastle.' Often replaced with local material-place examples in other languages.

• Spanish: llevar carbón a Newcastle (expresión de inutilidad)
• Portuguese (BR): carvão para Newcastle (expressão de inutilidade)
• Portuguese (PT): carvão para Newcastle (expressão de inutilidade)
• Chinese (Simplified): 多此一举 - 运煤到纽卡斯尔
• Chinese (Traditional): 多此一舉 - 把煤送到紐卡素
• Hindi: न्यूकैसल में कोयला ले जाना (अर्थहीन काम)
• Arabic: حمل الفحم إلى نيوكاسل (تعبير عن عمل غير ضروري)
• Bengali: নিউক্যাসলে কয়লা নেওয়া (অপ্রয়োজনীয় কিছু করা)
• Russian: носить уголь в Ньюкасл (бесполезное занятие)
• Japanese: ニューカッスルに石炭を運ぶ（無駄なことをする）
• Vietnamese: mang than đến Newcastle (diễn đạt sự dư thừa, vô ích)
• Korean: 뉴캐슬에 석탄을 보내다 (쓸데없는 일을 하다)
• Turkish: Newcastle'a kömür götürmek (gereksiz iş yapmak)
• Urdu: نیوکاسل کو کوئلہ پہنچانا (فضول یا غیرضروری کام)
• Indonesian: membawa batu bara ke Newcastle (melakukan hal yang sia-sia)

Example Sentences

Bringing coals to Newcastle means doing something pointless.

basic

Giving bread to a bakery is like sending coals to Newcastle.

basic

You don’t need to buy more pens; it would be coals to Newcastle.

basic

Trying to sell ice in Antarctica is just coals to Newcastle.

natural

Giving a famous chef cooking tips is like offering coals to Newcastle.

natural

All those books? Giving more would be coals to Newcastle.

natural