handwriting on the wall

Idioms

Also, writing on the wall. A warning or presentiment of danger, as in The company was losing money, and seeing the handwriting on the wall, she started to look for another job. This expression comes from the Bible (Daniel 5:5–31), in which the prophet interprets some mysterious writing that a disembodied hand has inscribed on the palace wall, telling King Belshazzar that he will be overthrown.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But they could read the handwriting on the wall from the UAW’s contract settlements.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 22, 2023

Michael Cohen saw the handwriting on the wall.

From Salon • Oct. 6, 2022

With utilities switching to cheap natural gas and renewable sources like solar and wind power, coal company executives see the handwriting on the wall.

From Washington Times • Nov. 6, 2019

They see the handwriting on the wall with real challengers in their upcoming races.

From New York Times • Apr. 4, 2018

Standard Oil’s California Research and Development subsidiary read the handwriting on the wall: the decision was tantamount to cancellation.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023