the writing on the wall
Say it: the RY-ting on the wall /ðə ˌraɪtɪŋ ɒn ðə ˈwɔːl/ · idiom
What “the writing on the wall” means
Clear signs that something bad is going to happen.
More precisely: Clear signs that something bad, like failure, is about to happen.
When to use it
In serious everyday or work conversations, when several obvious warning signs point towards failure or trouble.
Similar words
omen, warning sign, portent
Where it comes from
From the Book of Daniel, where a mysterious hand writes King Belshazzar's doom on a wall.
Quick check
A café has empty tables, unpaid suppliers and fewer opening days each week. You suspect it will close. What can you see?
the writing on the wall or a red herring?
Show the answer
the writing on the wall
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