E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Sylvam Lignum Ferre (In).
To carry coals to Newcastle. The French say, “Porter de l’eau 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.
