The writing on the wall
The writing on the wall means a clear warning that something bad is going to happen, especially that a person or institution is heading for failure. It comes from the story of Belshazzar’s feast in the biblical Book of Daniel.
Where it comes from
A warning at a feast
The image appears in the biblical Book of Daniel. Mysterious writing interrupts a king’s feast and announces the end of his rule.
While Belshazzar holds a feast using sacred vessels taken from Jerusalem, a hand appears and writes on the palace wall. Daniel explains that the message foretells the fall of the king’s kingdom, and Belshazzar dies that night.
In Book of Daniel by Traditionally attributed to Daniel
A warning people must face
Today, the phrase describes signs of approaching trouble, not actual writing. People often use it when someone refuses to accept that a job, business, or way of life cannot last.
A similar kind of warning appears in A Christmas Carol: the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows Scrooge a neglected grave bearing his own name. Scrooge recognises the danger ahead and begs for a chance to change.
In A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
How to use The writing on the wall
- Look for clear signs that trouble is approaching.
- Use the phrase for a serious warning, not a small inconvenience.
- Explain which signs make the danger clear.
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Does the writing on the wall always mean something bad?
Yes, it usually points to an unwelcome outcome, such as defeat, closure, or loss of power. It is stronger than a vague worry: the phrase suggests that the evidence is already visible, even if some people choose to ignore it.
What does it mean to see the writing on the wall?
To see the writing on the wall means to recognise that trouble or failure is coming. It does not necessarily mean that nothing can be done. Someone might notice the warning early enough to leave, prepare, or change course.
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