the writing is on the wall
the writing is on the wall — idiom
1. used to say that the signs already show a person, plan, or business will probabl
used to say that the signs already show a person, plan, or business will probably fail or soon come to an end.
After months of no bakery sales, Hassan knew the writing was on the wall.
know the writing is on the wall
When the hospital cut two wards, the writing was on the wall for the clinic.
the writing is on the wall for + thing
The writing is on the wall for Yael's cafe after the rent doubled.
Brooke finally admitted the writing was on the wall for the band.
Arjun saw the writing on the wall when two investors pulled out.
- the end is near
more direct and dramatic; says failure or closure is close
- see trouble ahead
plainer and less idiomatic; focuses on noticing coming problems
- things look bad
informal and broader; does not carry the same set-phrase force
- things are looking up
suggests the situation is improving rather than worsening
- there is hope yet
emphasizes that failure is not clearly decided
文法句型
the writing is on the wall for + person/thing
see/know/read the writing on the wall
用法筆記
Often follows verbs such as 'see', 'know', or 'admit', and it commonly takes 'for' before the person, team, or business likely to fail. Distinguish from literal writing on a real wall; this sense is always figurative and points to an obvious coming loss or ending.