PhrasesHub

See the writing on the wall

    Definitions

      • foreseeing an inevitable outcome or ending
        Realizing that a situation or event is headed towards a specific and often negative outcome, and acknowledging that it cannot be changed or avoided

      • recognizing warning signs or impending danger
        Noticing clues or indications that a situation or event may lead to harm or failure, and taking precautions or changing course to avoid it

      • understanding the underlying message or meaning
        Interpreting the hidden or deeper meaning behind a situation or event, and recognizing its significance or implications

    Examples of See the writing on the wall

    • The company's sales have been declining for the past few months, and the board of directors has called an emergency meeting to discuss possible layoffs. It's clear that something drastic needs to be done, and the writing is on the wall for many of the employees.

      The phrase "see the writing on the wall" refers to recognizing that a situation is hopeless or that negative consequences are inevitable. In this example, it's clear that the company is facing tough times, and the potential for job losses is a sign that drastic measures are necessary to avoid further financial problems. The employees may not like the prospect of losing their jobs, but they can't ignore the writing on the wall.

    • After the politician's disastrous speech at the rally, his opponents immediately began to publish damaging information about his past. As the scandals piled up, it became clear that the politician's political career was over. Even his most ardent supporters stopped defending him, and the writing was on the wall.

      The context here is political, but the meaning is the same. When people say "the writing is on the wall," they mean that a situation is coming to a natural or inevitable conclusion. The politician's disastrous speech and the subsequent scandals were clear signs that his political career was in trouble.

    • The doctor delivered the news that the cancer had spread to several vital organs. The patient's family could see the pain and sadness on his face, and they knew that the end was near. The writing was on the wall.

      Here, the idiom takes on a more somber meaning. It's a signal that something bad is going to happen, and that there's nothing that can be done to change the outcome. The cancer patient's family could see the writing on the wall and knew that their loved one's time was running out.

    • The team's star player was benched for the last game of the season, and the coach called a meeting to explain his decision. He told the team that the team's performance had been subpar for weeks, and that it was time for a change. He said that the team needed to learn to win without their star player, and that the writing was on the wall.

      In this example, the writer takes a bit of creative license with the idiom, using it to signal that a team needs to learn to adapt to changing circumstances. The coach's words were a clear signal that the team's reliance on their star player had gone on long enough, and that it was time to learn how to win without him. This use of the idiom shows that in addition to its more typical meanings, it can also be used metaphorically to signal a broader change in circumstances.

    • The company's poor financial performance and the recent layoffs are clear indications that major changes are on the horizon, and it's time to start looking for alternative job opportunities.

      "See the writing on the wall" is a commonly used idiom that means to recognize a situation that is likely to result in negative consequences or outcomes. In this example, the speaker is explaining why they are beginning their job search. They believe that the company is in trouble, and that they should take action before things get worse. The phrase "writing on the wall" is a metaphorical expression that refers to clear signs or indications of an impending disaster or problem. It originated from the ancient Babylonians, who would write warnings or prophecies on walls using clay or paint. By using this idiom, the speaker is implying that the signs of the company's impending doom are evident and cannot be ignored.

    • The company's sales had been declining steadily for several quarters, and rumors of a major restructuring were circulating among the employees. The CEO called a meeting to address the staff, and as he spoke, everyone could see the writing on the wall: the company was in serious trouble, and drastic measures would be needed to turn things around.

      The idiom "see the writing on the wall" is used to describe a situation in which it is clear that something negative is about to happen. In this context, "the writing on the wall" refers to a warning or sign that something bad is going to occur, such as a message scrawled on a wall, usually in ancient times, by an enemy as a threat or warning. The expression dates back to the story of Belshazzar in the Book of Daniel, where mysterious writing appeared on the walls of the king's banquet hall, leading to the realization that his kingdom was about to fall. Today, the phrase is commonly used to describe any situation in which the signs of impending doom are apparent.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "see the writing on the wall" is often used to convey a sense of inevitability, whether it be in regards to a negative outcome or an underlying message. It can also be used to describe the act of noticing warning signs or clues that may lead to harm or failure.

    In a more metaphorical sense, "see the writing on the wall" can also refer to understanding the underlying meaning or message behind a situation. This can be applied to various scenarios, from personal relationships to larger societal issues.

    Origin of "See the writing on the wall"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the biblical story of Belshazzar's feast, in the book of Daniel. During the feast, a mysterious hand appeared and wrote on the wall, predicting the downfall of Belshazzar's kingdom. The phrase "the writing on the wall" has since been used to describe a clear and undeniable sign of impending doom.

    Over time, the idiom evolved to encompass a broader meaning of recognizing warning signs and understanding deeper meaning. It has been used in various literary works, including Shakespeare's play "Macbeth" and George Orwell's novel "1984."

    Today, "see the writing on the wall" is a commonly used phrase to express the idea of foreseeing or understanding an inevitable outcome or message. It serves as a reminder to pay attention to signs and to be aware of the potential consequences of a situation.