PhrasesHub

The writing is on the wall

    Definitions

      • warning of impending danger or failure
        Indicates that signs or evidence of a negative outcome or consequence are clearly visible

      • inevitable outcome
        Suggests that a particular result or consequence is certain to happen and cannot be avoided

    Examples of The writing is on the wall

    • The company's CEO delivered a speech that left no doubt about the upcoming layoffs. The employees could see the writing on the wall, indicating a difficult time ahead.

      This idiomatic expression means that a clear indication of an impending outcome or event can be discerned. It comes from the ancient Babylonian practice of writing important messages on the walls of buildings as a warning or omen. In this example, the employees could see the writing on the wall in the form of the CEO's speech, which signaled that layoffs were inevitable.

    • As the election results came in, it became clear that the incumbent's reelection chances were dwindling. His campaign team could see the writing on the wall and urged him to concede before it was too late.

      This second example uses the idiom in a different context, but the meaning remains the same. When we say that "the writing is on the wall," we mean that the situation is becoming increasingly clear or obvious, with little chance of a favorable outcome. In this instance, the incumbent's election prospects began to deteriorate rapidly, and his team recognized that it was only a matter of time before he lost.

    • The athlete had been experiencing pain and discomfort for weeks, and his doctors could see the writing on the wall. They warned him that continuing to play would only worsen the injury and advised him to sit out the rest of the season.

      This final example shows how the idiom can be applied in a sporting context. When we say that "the writing is on the wall," we can also mean that it is clear that something unpleasant or dangerous is going to happen. In this case, the athlete's doctors could see that his injury was serious and that he risked making it worse by playing, so they advised him to withdraw from the competition.In all of these examples, the idiom is used to convey the idea that a specific outcome is likely or inevitable, based on clear and obvious indicators. Whether we are talking about business, politics, or sports, the expression "the writing is on the wall" is a potent metaphor that helps us make sense of complex situations. By understanding the meaning and usage of this idiom, we can communicate more effectively and accurately in a wide range of contexts.

    • The company's stock prices have been steadily declining and the board of directors has announced a major restructuring plan. It's clear that layoffs and downsizing are on the horizon, and the writing is on the wall for many employees.

      This idiom is commonly used to describe a situation where it's obvious that something unpleasant or negative is going to happen. The phrase "writing is on the wall" is taken from the ancient Babylonians, who would write important messages on the walls of buildings, typically as a warning or prophecy. In modern times, this idiom is used to suggest that a negative outcome is imminent, and it can be applied to a variety of situations, from business to personal relationships. In the example above, the decline in stock prices and the announcement of restructuring are clear signs that the company is facing major changes, and many employees will likely lose their jobs.

    • The CEO's decision to lay off a third of the workforce was the writing on the wall for the struggling company.

      This idiom means that a clear sign of an inevitable outcome or event has appeared. In this example, the company's financial struggles had reached a critical point, and the CEO's decision to downsize was a clear indication that more drastic measures might be necessary to save the company.

    • The politician's public apology was the writing on the wall for his impending resignation.

      In this example, the politician's public admission of wrongdoing signaled that his career was in jeopardy. The use of "writing on the wall" in this context suggests that the politician's actions had sealed his fate, and his resignation was almost certain to follow.

    • The team's dismal performance in the last few games was the writing on the wall for their elimination from the playoffs.

      This idiomatic expression signifies that a series of negative events or outcomes indicate a forthcoming event. In this case, the team's losing streak served as a clear indication that they would not qualify for the playoffs. This idiom denotes the inevitability of such an outcome based on the team's recent performance.

    • The text messages between the CEO and the competing company were the writing on the wall for the former's upcoming indictment.

      In this last example, the discovery of incriminating text messages between the CEO and a rival company served as a clear sign of wrongdoing. The use of "writing on the wall" in this context suggests that the evidence against the CEO was overwhelming and that an indictment was almost certain to follow.


    Conclusion

    "The writing is on the wall" is often used to convey a sense of warning or inevitability. It can be used to caution someone about a potential negative outcome or to emphasize that a particular result is unavoidable. The idiom is typically used in situations where there are clear signs or evidence pointing to a specific conclusion.

    The phrase can be employed in a variety of contexts, from personal relationships to business decisions, to warn of impending danger or failure. It can also be used to emphasize that a particular outcome is inevitable, regardless of efforts to prevent it. Overall, "the writing is on the wall" serves as a powerful and evocative way to convey a sense of impending doom or unavoidable consequences.

    Origin of "The writing is on the wall"

    The origin of the idiom "the writing is on the wall" can be traced back to the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament of the Bible. In the story, the phrase is used to describe a mysterious message that appears on a wall during a feast, foretelling the downfall of King Belshazzar. The phrase has since become a popular idiom in English, used to convey the idea that there are clear signs or evidence pointing to a particular outcome. Its biblical origins add a sense of gravity and significance to its usage, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation at hand. The idiom has been used in literature, music, and everyday speech, and continues to be a powerful way to convey a sense of warning or inevitability.