writing on the wall

Definition

An ominous warning; a prediction of bad luck.

Etymology

From the Biblical story in Daniel 5, where, during a feast held by King Belshazzar, a hand suddenly appears and writes on a wall the following Aramaic words: מְנֵא מְנֵא תְּקֵל וּפַרְסִין (mənē mənē təqēl ūp̄arsīn, “numbered, numbered, weighed, and they are divided”) (Daniel 5:25). Daniel interprets the words as pointing to the downfall of the Babylonian Empire.

Example Sentences

• "He could see the writing on the wall months before the business failed."
• "However, regardless of evil portents, prophetic despair and a great deal too much writing on the wall, I have managed so far to write two fairly cheerful musical comedies."
• "The Portuguese refused to read the writings on the wall and clung to their colonies, including the one in India."