ProverbHub
English · Latin scriptProverb: Verified

Like carrying coals to Newcastle.

Meanings

Each meaning is reviewed on its own.

Meaning: Verified
Meaning and lesson

The comparison describes bringing something to a place that already has plenty of it. The effort is unnecessary because the destination has no need of what is being offered.

It can also describe a well-intentioned contribution that is useful in general but redundant in a particular setting. The problem is not the value of the thing itself, but where it is being taken.

When it is used

Use it to question the point of bringing goods, skills, or help to a setting already well supplied with them. It can make that judgment without suggesting that the offering has no value elsewhere.

Cite or copy proverb

How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.

Report an issue with this meaning: Like carrying coals to Newcastle.