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Region: General | Usage example: When revenues dropped, investors read the handwriting on the wall.

Read the handwriting on the wall

Meaning

See the signs that something is going to happen.

Usage

Warns of impending trouble.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Biblical reference to Daniel interpreting a mysterious message.

Has been a cautionary metaphor for millennia.

Related Idioms

Read the writing on the wall

See signs that something will happen

Write on the wall

A visible sign that something is about to fail.

The writing is on the wall

Signs point to an inevitable end.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.