The writing on the wall
Suggest a CorrectionMeaning
A clear warning that failure, dismissal, or disaster is approaching. Usually concerns an impending negative outcome that evidence already makes foreseeable. Regional use: Biblical English; now widespread.
Origin
Daniel 5 tells how a mysterious hand writes on the wall during Belshazzar's feast; Daniel interprets the message as judgement on the king and his kingdom. The Wycliffe Bible contains the Middle English narrative of the fingers writing on the wall, but the compact idiom see the writing on the wall is later. Modern use refers to recognizing ominous evidence, even when no literal message exists.
Research Sources
Variants
- See the writing on the wall
Usage Examples
- When three branches closed, employees saw the writing on the wall.
- After attendance fell for a third year, the festival organisers saw the writing on the wall.
- He ignored the writing on the wall until the final notice arrived.