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

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the 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