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

• Finnish: katastrofin merkit ovat ilmassa
• French: les carottes sont cuites (fr)
• Polish: nieszczęście wisi w powietrzu
• Spanish: cuando las barbas de tu vecino veas pelar, pon las tuyas a remojar (proverb)

See also

• someone's goose is cooked
• writing on the wall