/ · 1894 Brewer’s · S · Sylvam Lignum Ferre (In)
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
To carry coals to Newcastle. The French say, “Porter de lʹeau à la rivière.” To do a work of supererogation; to paint the lily, or add another perfume to the violet, or perform any other superfluous or ridiculous excess.
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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.
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