Idiom B2

The writing is on the wall

Clear signs that something bad or unwanted is about to happen

Meaning

The writing is on the wall — There are clear signs or evidence that something bad or unwanted — usually a failure, downfall, collapse, or ending — is going to happen, even if it has not yet occurred. Literal: words physically written on a wall. Figurative: unmistakable warning signs that an undesirable outcome is imminent.

Origin & History

The idiom comes directly from the Bible, in the Book of Daniel (Chapter 5). During a great feast, King Belshazzar of Babylon saw a mysterious disembodied hand write the words Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin on the wall of his palace. None of his wise men could interpret the words until the prophet Daniel was summoned. Daniel told the king that the writing foretold the end of his kingdom. That same night, Belshazzar was killed and Babylon fell to the Persians.

The phrase entered English via Bible translations and was already being used figuratively by the 18th century. Today it appears widely in journalism, business, and political commentary whenever signs of imminent failure or collapse are visible. It carries a tone of inevitability — the outcome can be seen clearly, even if nothing has happened yet.

Example Sentences

SentenceContext
The writing was on the wall for the company long before it announced bankruptcy — sales had been falling for two years.Business failure, corporate decline
Any political analyst could see the writing on the wall after the party lost three by-elections in a row.Political commentary
When the manager stopped being invited to senior meetings, the writing was on the wall for his position.Workplace, career change
The team's star player knew the writing was on the wall when the new coach left him on the bench twice running.Sport, team selection

How to Use It

Use the idiom to comment on a situation where a negative outcome is becoming clear from observable signs. You can say the writing is on the wall (present), the writing was on the wall (past), or see the writing on the wall (to notice the signs). It is neutral to semi-formal — suitable for journalism, business discussion, and everyday conversation. It always refers to a negative or unwanted outcome; never use it to predict good news.

Common Mistakes

Mistakes to Avoid

The words on the wall show the company is struggling.

The writing is on the wall for the company. — Use 'writing', not 'words', to preserve the idiom correctly.

The writing is on the wall — things are going to get better soon!

The signs suggest things are going to improve. — This idiom only signals negative outcomes; never use it to predict good news.

He saw the writing in the wall and resigned.

He saw the writing on the wall and resigned. — Always use 'on the wall', not 'in the wall'.

Similar Idioms

The last straw The tip of the iceberg Face the music Bite the dust All Idioms →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does "the writing is on the wall" mean?
"The writing is on the wall" means there are clear and unmistakable signs that something bad or unwanted — usually a failure, collapse, or ending — is going to happen, even if it has not yet occurred.
Where does "the writing is on the wall" come from?
The idiom comes from the Bible (Book of Daniel, Chapter 5). A mysterious hand wrote a warning on King Belshazzar's wall; the prophet Daniel interpreted it as foretelling the fall of Babylon. That night the kingdom fell.
Can you give an example of "the writing is on the wall" in a sentence?
"The writing was on the wall for the company long before it announced bankruptcy — sales had been falling for two years."
Is "the writing is on the wall" formal or informal?
It is neutral to semi-formal. It appears in journalism, business reports, political commentary, and everyday conversation. Its biblical gravitas makes it appropriate in serious written contexts.
What CEFR level is "the writing is on the wall"?
B2. Its biblical origin and slightly literary feel make it more advanced than many everyday idioms, but upper-intermediate learners encounter it regularly in news and business English.
What are common mistakes with "the writing is on the wall"?
Common errors: saying 'words on the wall' instead of 'writing on the wall'; using 'in the wall' instead of 'on the wall'; and incorrectly using the idiom to predict positive outcomes — it always signals something negative.
Can this idiom be used positively?
No. "The writing is on the wall" always signals a negative outcome. If you want to describe positive signs, use 'things are looking up' or 'there is light at the end of the tunnel'.
What idioms are similar to "the writing is on the wall"?
Similar idioms: 'the last straw' (the final event that causes failure), 'the beginning of the end' (the start of a decline), 'a storm is brewing' (trouble is coming), and 'bite the dust' (fail or come to an end).
Can "the writing is on the wall" be used in writing?
Yes, and it is particularly effective in written English — journalism, business analysis, and feature writing. Its serious tone and cultural weight make it well suited to commentary on significant failures or endings.
How do I practise idioms like "the writing is on the wall"?
Look for this idiom in news headlines — it appears regularly in articles about business failures, political downfalls, and sporting relegations. Use LexFizz's Flash Cards to test your recall, then try writing your own example sentences.