Selling coal to Newcastle

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Newcastle upon Tyne in the United Kingdom was traditionally a coal mining, distributing and selling hub. Hence the phrase Carrying coals to Newcastle or Selling coal in Newcastle is used to describe a foolhardy or pointless action.

[edit] People who have tried

Timothy Dexter, an American businessman, did export coal to Newcastle during a miners strike and thus made a large profit for himself. This only increased his reputation as an eccentric, but extremely lucky businessman.

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