English Explanatory Dictionary

the writing is on the wall

English dictionary entry

Meanings

phrase
  1. Disaster is imminent.

Word forms

the writing is on the wall

Etymology

From the Biblical story in Daniel 5 where mysterious writing appearing on a wall during a feast held by King Belshazzar points to the downfall of the Babylonian Empire: see writing on the wall.

Related words

someone's goose is cooked writing on the wall
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