the writing on the wall
Meaning
A clear sign that something bad or unwanted is going to happen; an inevitable outcome you can already foresee.
Origin
From the biblical Book of Daniel (Chapter 5): a mysterious message appears on the wall predicting King Belshazzar’s downfall—hence “seeing the writing on the wall” = foreseeing doom.
Notes
Used when negative consequences seem inevitable. Often phrased as “see the writing on the wall.” Somewhat dramatic; typically about failure, layoffs, collapse, etc.
Examples
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After the third round of layoffs, everyone could see the writing on the wall and started updating their resumes.
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The writing on the wall was clear: if we didn’t cut costs, the project would be canceled.
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When our biggest client walked away, the writing on the wall told us the company wouldn’t survive the year.
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He ignored the writing on the wall and kept investing, even as the market collapsed around him.
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With attendance dropping every week, the writing on the wall said the café would close soon.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually with “the” and fixed as “the writing on the wall.” Common patterns: “see the writing on the wall,” “the writing was on the wall,” “read the writing on the wall” (less common).
Synonyms
- a bad omen
- a sign of things to come
- portent
- handwriting on the wall
Antonyms
- a clean bill of health
- all systems go
- a good omen