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

“With my requests for transfers to career-enhancing squads consistently denied, my credibility and competency constantly questioned, and the common use of racial epithets in my presence,” she wrote, “I saw the handwriting on the wall: Because of my race I would never be allowed to have a successful career in the Secret Service.”

From Washington Post

“I’m sure some of those older places won’t be here. I can see the handwriting on the wall,” he said.

From Washington Post

“Why would states against statehood speak up? They see the handwriting on the wall: They see statehood coming.”

From Washington Post

“With the handwriting on the wall, we decided to hold our head high, return the capital and shutter the business.”

From Washington Post

“We started getting on this as soon as soon as we started seeing the handwriting on the wall,” said Patti Giggans, executive director of the nonprofit Peace Over Violence in Los Angeles.

From Washington Times