the writing is on the wall
the writing is on the wall — 慣用語
1. used to say that the signs already show a person, plan, or business will probabl
情況不妙
已有明顯跡象顯示快失敗或要結束
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.
麵包店好幾個月沒業績後，Hassan 知道情況已經不妙了。
know the writing is on the wall
When the hospital cut two wards, the writing was on the wall for the clinic.
醫院一口氣關掉兩個病房時，大家都看出這家診所情況不妙。
the writing is on the wall for + thing
The writing is on the wall for Yael's cafe after the rent doubled.
房租翻倍後，Yael 的咖啡館情況明顯不妙了。
Brooke finally admitted the writing was on the wall for the band.
Brooke 終於承認，這個樂團的情況已經不妙。
Arjun saw the writing on the wall when two investors pulled out.
兩名投資人退出時，Arjun 就看出情況不妙了。
- 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.