Definition & Meaning of "[sell] ice to Eskimos"

What is the origin of the idiom "sell ice to Eskimos" and when to use it?

The idiom "sell ice to Eskimos" is believed to have originated in the United States, and it is often used humorously to describe someone's exceptional sales or persuasion skills. The idea behind the idiom is that selling ice to Eskimos would be unnecessary and absurd because Eskimos live in cold climates and have an abundance of ice and snow. This phrase is typically used in a figurative sense to praise or mock someone's ability to persuade or sell something, even in situations where there is little need or demand for it. It can be used both positively and negatively, depending on the context.