i wanna know the meaning of "carry coal to newcastle" and where we use it?

Question

again a homework of english class, i wanna know the meaning of "carry coal to newcastle" and where we use it?

Answer 1

Newcastle is a major coal mining district so to carry coal to Newcastle is a description of useless tasks

It can be likened to "selling snow to Eskimo's "

Answer 2

While nearby Bemwell was, in Roman times, the site of a fortress along Hadrian's wall, Newcastle's history really begins with the Normans. Newcastle derives its name from a castle built by Normans in 1080 on the site of the modern-day city. The town's importance grew steadily in following centuries. By the 16th century it had become an important source of coal, hence the old saying, 'to carry coal to Newcastle', meaning a pointless, superfluous exercise.

It is like shutting the barn door after the cows have escaped!

Also go to wikipedia, and type in "carry coal to Newcastle"

Answer 3

The expression carrying coal to Newcastle is meant to be a totally pointless journey (invariably by barge). A complete waste of time. Newcastle was a major mining city thus exporting coal to other cities. Hence carrying coals to Newcastle when there are tons of the stuff.

Answer 4

Lotta coal in Newcastle already.

Answer 5

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/85850.html

perfect website for random phrases! it means to do something even if its pointless!