Daily Almanac for
Dec 6, 2009
Search White Pages
Search: Infoplease Info search tips
Search: Biographies Bio search tips
Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—N

Noctuas Athenas Ferre

To carry coals to Newcastle. Athens abounded with owls, and Minerva was therefore symbolised by an owl. To send owls to Athens would be wasteful and extravagant excess.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Nod
Noctes Ambrosia'næ
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

More on Noctuas Athenas Ferre from Infoplease:

  • Noctuas Athenas Ferre - Noctuas Athenas Ferre To carry coals to Newcastle. Athens abounded with owls, and Minerva was ...
  • Coals - Coals To blow the coals To fan dissensions, to excite smouldering animosity into open hostility, as ...
  • Dictionary of Phrase and Fable: N - Definitions, origins, and illustrative excerpts for words, phases, and literary allusions starting with "N"
    • Cite
    • Print
    • Bookmark

Related Content