English · Culture & Society
the writing on the wall
/ðə ˈraɪ.tɪŋ ɒn ðə wɔːl/
[/ðə ˈraɪ.tɪŋ ɒn ðə wɔːl/]
sign of coming trouble
Intermediatephrase
Definition
A clear sign that something, usually bad, is going to happen.
Example
When the shop's best customers stopped coming, the owner saw the writing on the wall.
When the shop's best customers stopped coming, the owner saw the writing on the wall.
Etymology
From the biblical Book of Daniel, where mysterious writing foretells the fall of King Belshazzar.
How & Where It’s Used
Common for an unmistakable warning of impending failure.
Literary Heritage
Derives from the Book of Daniel (chapter 5), the feast of Belshazzar.