the writing/handwriting is on the wall
phrase
—used to say that it is clear that something bad will probably happen soon
I haven't lost my job yet, but the writing is on the wall: my company just laid off 50 more people today.
Cite this Entry
“The writing/handwriting is on the wall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20writing%2Fhandwriting%20is%20on%20the%20wall. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
