sell snow to Eskimos
Convince against logic
To sell snow to Eskimos is to persuade someone to buy something they already have in abundance—the ultimate test of salesmanship.
The phrase describes either remarkable persuasive ability or absurd redundancy: That guy could sell snow to Eskimos.
Sometimes used skeptically: Good luck selling snow to Eskimos.
Variants substitute ice, sand to desert dwellers, or other locally abundant commodities.
- carry coals to NewcastlePointlessly adding to surplus
- gild the lilyEmbellish what's already perfect
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- marketingPromoting goods to consumers
- offerProposal to provide
pitch · surplus · overabundance · deal · convince · advertising · flattery · superfluity · trade · snake oil · con artist · used car salesman · too good to be true · buyer beware · charisma · excess · glut · upselling
sell snow to Eskimospreach to the choir
Advocate to supporters already
no-brainer · slam dunk · low-hanging fruit · like taking candy from a baby · child's play
Eskimo, sells, selling, seller, sellers, snows, snowed, snowing, snowier