Llevarle lena al monte

Question

I know exactly what this means, but I can't find a commonly used American English equivalent. Google keeps telling me "take coals to Newcastle," but I've never heard that would never use that expression in a conversation.

Any suggestions?

Welcome to the forum! - rac1, Feb 21, 2014

Answer 1

Maybe "Bringing sand to the beach."

Answer 2

leña = firewood.

So, Like taking wood to the forest.

Answer 3

Yes, in England we do say ' Bring coals to Newcastle'. Don't hesitate, use it.It's good.

Nowadays we might say : bring oil to Arabia, times have changed. But expressions have not. Trust Google, he's right.

Answer 4

It is more of a British idiom, although it is never really used.

I use it! - annierats, Feb 21, 2014

So dolots of Britons, maybe all of them. - annierats, Feb 21, 2014

Well I have not heard it in London, may have to start slipping it in to my conversations when given the chance. - Bradwun, Feb 21, 2014