Carry, take, etc. coals to Newcastle Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Origin The phrase originates from Newcastle, England, known for its coal production. Explaining snow to an Eskimo is like carrying coals to Newcastle. Pro Tip 2/3Idiomatic Usage Use this phrase to express that an action is redundant. Donating ice in the Arctic is like taking coals to Newcastle. Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Understanding Understand the irony by knowing Newcastle doesn't need more coal. A solar panel salesman in the Sahara is like taking coals to Newcastle.