The phrase "carrying coals to Newcastle" is an idiom that means doing something that is pointless or unnecessary. There are several synonyms for this phrase, such as "bringing sand to the beach," "selling ice to Eskimos," or "taking owls to Athens." These idioms all convey the same idea of doing something that is redundant or superfluous. The origin of the phrase "carrying coals to Newcastle" dates back to the 16th century when Newcastle was a coal mining town with an abundant supply of coal. Therefore, bringing coal into Newcastle was entirely senseless, just like some of the other idioms mentioned.