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.

---

Discover More

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

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

Perhaps he saw the handwriting on the wall.

From New York Times • Jan. 12, 2018

Of course, also give him some credit for being able to read the handwriting on the wall.

From Washington Times • Mar. 30, 2016

Stassen saw the handwriting on the wall: his tenure as Eisenhower’s “secretary of peace” effectively had come to an end.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik