handwriting on the wall

Idioms  

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

handwriting on the wall

But the inept followers aside — and many of them are falling to the side — there are those who see the handwriting on the wall.

From Salon ● Feb. 27, 2026

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

Perhaps he saw the handwriting on the wall.

From New York Times ● Jan. 12, 2018

The council finally saw the handwriting on the wall and killed the project.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson