handwriting on the wall

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.

Example Sentences

The transfer to Turkey happened, Eugen Merzbacher told me, because his father’s bosses “saw the handwriting on the wall.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

CNN reported that the Koch Network's Americans for Prosperity Action told their top donors over the weekend that backing Haley was the right decision because she is the last candidate standing against Trump which, considering the obvious handwriting on the wall, is hardly the validation they might want it to be.

Read more on Salon

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

Read more on Salon

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Trump should be able to see the handwriting on the wall.

Read more on Slate