the handwriting on the wall

Cultural  

1. A phrase recalling an Old Testament story about Daniel. While a king was holding the Jews (see also Jews) captive in the foreign land of Babylon (see also Babylon), in the sixth century b.c., a mysterious hand appeared, writing on the wall of the king's palace. The king called upon Daniel, who interpreted it to mean that God intended the king and his kingdom to fall. The king was slain that night.

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Figuratively, the expression means that some misfortune is impending: “His firing came as no surprise; he'd seen the handwriting on the wall months before.”

Example Sentences

Once the Texas Supreme Court issued its stay last Friday, Ms. Cox saw the handwriting on the wall.

From Salon • Dec. 13, 2023

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

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 22, 2023

Because they can read the handwriting on the wall, because they can dispassionately analyze the downward arc of the coal mining industry, they are not inclined to head underground.

From Washington Times • Jul. 17, 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