writing

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

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

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in writing

in the form of a document. Any agreement can be canceled, even one in writing. If you want to examine these papers, you must ask in writing for permission to do it. She saw so little of her father that, when she wanted something, she would put her request in writing.

the writing on the wall

the likelihood that something bad will happen. Area residents can see the writing on the wall and realize that if they don't cooperate with the police, these crimes will continue. As leaders, they should have seen the handwriting on the wall and come up with an alternative course of action.

Usage notes: often used with see, as in the examples

Etymology: based on a story in the Bible about Daniel, who reads the handwriting on the wall that predicts the end of the kingdom of Babylon

See also: wall