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Definitions from the Web

Selling Coal to Newcastle

Description:

Selling Coal to Newcastle is an idiomatic expression used to describe the pointless or unnecessary act of trying to sell or provide something to a person or place that already has an abundant supply of it. It originates from the city of Newcastle upon Tyne in England, which historically has been a major coal mining and exporting center.

Examples:

As a Verb:

1. He thought he could make a fortune by selling coal to Newcastle, but the locals laughed at him.

2. The fashion brand attempted to sell their winter collection in a city known for year-round warm weather – it was like selling coal to Newcastle.

As a Noun:

1. The entrepreneur's business idea of importing coal to Newcastle turned out to be a case of selling coal to Newcastle.

2. It would be a classic example of selling coal to Newcastle if the government decided to invest in coal mining in a region already overflowing with coal resources.

As an Idiom:

1. Trying to convince them to enroll in a cooking class is like selling coal to Newcastle – they are renowned chefs!

2. The idea of establishing a vineyard in the famous wine-producing region seemed like selling coal to Newcastle to the locals.

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