On this program we talk about common expressions in the English language . We give examples . And we talk about when and how to use them . Today we talk about pointless , useless actions . And we have a very descriptive expression to help us do that . For this expression , let's go to the beach ! For a beach trip , we bring several things that can make the trip more enjoyable . For example , a beach towel makes sitting on the sand more comfortable . Some people choose to bring a beach chair . And a beach umbrella protects you from the sun's powerful rays . Swimming in the ocean can really make you hungry . So many people bring a cooler for food and drinks . Making sandcastles on the beach is a fun activity . So , bringing sand-digging tools -- like a shovel -- and a bucket is a good idea . But you do not need to bring the sand . Most beaches have a lot of that already ! And that brings us to today's expression : bringing sand to the beach . Bringing sand to the beach describes actions that are pointless and unnecessary . The actions are futile . This means serving no purpose . To bring sand to the beach can also mean overkill . Overkill means to do or have more than is necessary or useful . Often when using this expression , we say "like ." For example , bringing flowers to the opening of a florist is like bringing sand to the beach . Now , let's hear this expression used between two friends . They talk about an upcoming party and what they are bringing . Hey , Ingrid's yearly party is tomorrow . What are you bringing ? I made a great music playlist . The songs I picked will definitely get people up and dancing . What about you ? I thought I'd bring my famous spinach dip . You know , I wouldn't bring food . Ingrid always makes too much food . And she is such a good cook . Bringing food to her party is like bringing sand to the beach . Well , I know Ingrid makes lots of great food . But she doesn't make my spinach dip . Every party needs spinach dip ! I've tasted your spinach dip . No party needs that . Ouch , that is so cold . Why don't you bring some balloons ? Everyone likes balloons . We usually use like bringing sand to the beach when bringing something to a location is unnecessary . But you can also say the same idea with different objects and locations . For example , I could also say it is like bringing a sandwich to a restaurant . With this example , the meaning goes one step further . It also means that what you are bringing (the sandwich ) is of lesser quality than what you would find at the location (the restaurant ).