The phrase “the writing on the wall” refers to an obvious or unmistakable sign that something bad or undesirable is going to happen. It often indicates a clear indication of impending failure, disaster, or change, which people may ignore or fail to address until it’s too late. The expression originates from the biblical story of Belshazzar’s feast in the Book of Daniel, where a mysterious hand appeared and wrote on the wall, predicting the downfall of the Babylonian empire. Over time, the phrase has come to symbolize any forewarning of trouble or misfortune. In Indonesian, “tanda peringatan” or “pertanda buruk” might be used to convey a similar idea of impending doom or a warning.
Synonyms:
- Forewarning
- Omen
- Sign
- Indicator
- Warning
- Prediction
- Red flag
- Signal
- Precursor
- Harbinger
Example Sentences:
- The company’s declining profits were the writing on the wall, signaling that layoffs were imminent.
- They ignored the writing on the wall about their failing relationship until it was too late to save it.
- The increase in tension between the two countries was the writing on the wall for an eventual conflict.
- His sudden mood changes were the writing on the wall that something was wrong.
- The delayed maintenance of the old bridge was the writing on the wall for its eventual collapse.
- The severe weather forecasts were the writing on the wall for a possible hurricane.
- The rapid changes in the market were the writing on the wall for the company’s eventual bankruptcy.
- The way the team was playing this season was the writing on the wall for their failure to make the playoffs.
- Despite the writing on the wall, the manager refused to acknowledge the company’s financial struggles.
- The news about environmental destruction was the writing on the wall for the future of many species.
Related Words:
- Warning
- Signal
- Omen
- Forewarning
- Indicator
- Alert
- Prediction
- Sign
- Harbinger
- Red flag
Related Phrasal Verbs:
- See it coming (to anticipate something, like the writing on the wall, before it happens)
- Pay attention to (to notice signs or signals, such as the writing on the wall)
- Catch on (to understand something that’s been hinted at, like reading the writing on the wall)
- Head off (to take action to prevent something negative, potentially by recognizing the writing on the wall)
- Shut your eyes to (to ignore an obvious sign or warning, such as the writing on the wall)
- Turn a blind eye (to disregard something that is clearly problematic, like ignoring the writing on the wall)
- Take a hint (to understand a subtle message or warning, similar to recognizing the writing on the wall)
- Read the signs (to interpret clues or signals that predict something, such as the writing on the wall)
- Blow the whistle (to reveal or expose a problem, often when the writing on the wall is ignored)
- Sound the alarm (to alert others to a looming problem, similar to seeing the writing on the wall)
Idiomatic Expressions:
- Bite the bullet (to accept something unpleasant, often when the writing on the wall has been ignored)
- The calm before the storm (a period of peace or stability before a dramatic change, sometimes after seeing the writing on the wall)
- A storm is brewing (a sign of trouble ahead, similar to the writing on the wall)
- On borrowed time (a situation or entity that is close to collapse, as indicated by the writing on the wall)
- A ticking time bomb (a dangerous or problematic situation that is imminent, much like the writing on the wall)
- Downward spiral (a situation where things are getting worse, often clearly predicted by the writing on the wall)
- A wake-up call (a realization or reminder of a serious problem, often after seeing the writing on the wall)
- The end is nigh (an expression forewarning the imminent arrival of something bad, like the writing on the wall)
- A red flag (a sign of potential danger or trouble, often connected to the writing on the wall)
- Cross that bridge when you come to it (suggests ignoring the writing on the wall until things get worse, though it’s often imprudent to do so)
The phrase “the writing on the wall” carries a sense of inevitability, indicating that something negative or troubling is already in motion and is impossible to ignore. Recognizing the writing on the wall can be essential for taking preventive measures, addressing issues early, or preparing for future consequences. Ignoring it, however, often leads to missed opportunities to address the problem before it becomes too overwhelming.
