handwriting

read/see the writing on the wall (British, American & Australian, American)

to understand that you are in a dangerous situation and that something unpleasant is likely to happen to you. They saw the writing on the wall and started to behave better. Those who failed to read the handwriting on the wall lost a lot of money.

See also: read, see, wall, writing

the writing is on the wall (British, American & Australian, American)

if the writing is on the wall for a person or an organization, it is clear that they will fail or be unable to continue. The team has lost its last six games and the writing is definitely on the wall for the manager. (often + for)

See also: wall, writing