the writing is on the wall

English

Etymology

From the Biblical story in Daniel 5 where mysterious writing appearing on a wall during a feast held by King Belshazzar points to the downfall of the Babylonian Empire: see writing on the wall.

Phrase

the writing is on the wall

1. Disaster is imminent.

Translations

Translations

• Spanish: cuando las barbas de tu vecino veas pelar, pon las tuyas a remojar (proverb)

See also

• writing on the wall