Carry coals to Newcastle definitions
| Word backwards | yrrac slaoc ot eltsacweN |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | This phrase is an idiom, so it does not have a traditional part of speech. However, the word "carry" in this phrase is a verb. |
| Syllabic division | car-ry coals to New-castle |
| Plural | The plural of the phrase "carry coals to Newcastle" remains the same: "carry coals to Newcastle." |
| Total letters | 21 |
| Vogais (3) | a,o,e |
| Consonants (8) | c,r,y,l,s,t,n,w |
Carry Coals to Newcastle: Understanding the Idiom
Carrying coals to Newcastle is an old English idiom that expresses the absurdity of bringing something to a place where it is already abundant. Newcastle, a city in England, was historically known for its coal mines and the abundance of coal in the region. Therefore, bringing coal to Newcastle would be utterly pointless and unnecessary.
The Origin of the Phrase
The origins of the phrase "carry coals to Newcastle" can be traced back to the 1500s when Newcastle was a major coal mining hub in England. The coal industry was thriving in Newcastle, and the city supplied coal to many other regions. As a result, the idea of bringing coal to Newcastle was considered illogical and pointless.
Usage of the Idiom
Over time, the phrase "carry coals to Newcastle" has evolved to become a metaphor for doing something unnecessary or redundant. It is often used to emphasize the futility of a certain action or to highlight a situation where something is already in abundance.
Similar Idioms
There are several other idiomatic expressions in various languages that convey a similar meaning to "carry coals to Newcastle." For example, in Spanish, the phrase "llevar agua al mar," which translates to "carrying water to the sea," serves the same purpose of emphasizing unnecessary actions.
Conclusion
Understanding the origins and meaning behind the idiom "carry coals to Newcastle" provides insight into the rich tapestry of the English language and its colorful expressions. Next time you hear someone use this phrase, you'll know that they are referring to an action that is as pointless as bringing coal to a city that already has an abundance of it.
Carry coals to Newcastle Examples
- He tried to carry coals to Newcastle by selling snow cones in Alaska.
- It's like carrying coals to Newcastle to try and teach a French chef how to make croissants.
- Bringing umbrellas to Seattle is carrying coals to Newcastle.
- Trying to convince a cat person to adopt a dog is carrying coals to Newcastle.
- Telling a native New Yorker how to find the best pizza in town is like carrying coals to Newcastle.
- Sending a business proposal to a successful entrepreneur is like carrying coals to Newcastle.
- Giving fashion advice to a top model is carrying coals to Newcastle.
- Teaching a computer programmer how to code is like carrying coals to Newcastle.
- Explaining the rules of basketball to LeBron James is carrying coals to Newcastle.
- Trying to impress a professional musician with your guitar skills is like carrying coals to Newcastle.