THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
The writing on the wall
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Clear signs that something is likely to fail, end or face serious trouble.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- With bookings falling every month, the writing on the wall was clear.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
With bookings falling every month, ________ was clear.
Show the answer
The writing on the wall — Clear signs that something is likely to fail, end or face serious trouble.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “The writing on the wall” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
Clear signs that something is likely to fail, end or face serious trouble.
Compare: With bookings falling every month, the writing on the wall was clear.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it when warning signs point towards a bad outcome. It has a serious, often pessimistic tone in conversation and writing.
More examples in context
- We saw the writing on the wall when the last two sponsors withdrew.
- The writing was on the wall for the old system after support and updates stopped.
Usage note
Common forms include “see the writing on the wall” and “the writing is on the wall.” It signals trouble, not just any prediction.
A short conversation
A: Why did the club start looking for another venue?
B: The writing was on the wall. The building had already closed several rooms.
A: Planning ahead was sensible.
One more practice question
Which signs suggest the writing is on the wall for a project?
A. Funding has stopped and every key partner has withdrawn.
B. Funding is secure and every key partner has renewed support.
Check your answer
A. Those are clear signs of serious trouble or likely failure.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.