English
Etymology
From the biblical story in the w:Book of Daniel|Book of Daniel; mysterious writing on the wall during King Belshazzar's feast points to the downfall of the Babylonian Empire.
Noun
en-noun|sg=the writing on the wall|writings on the wall|-
- An ominous warning; a prediction of bad luck.
#: He could see the writing on the wall months before the business failed.
Usage notes
As an uncountable noun, the phrase alludes to a vague set of ominous indications. As a countable noun, the singular refers to a specific warning.
Category:Biblical derivations
ru:writing on the wall
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