Example: She could read the writing on the wall and prepare for changes.
Definition
"To read the writing on the wall" means to recognize or anticipate an impending event or outcome, often a negative one, based on clear signs or indications. For example, it suggests understanding an unavoidable change or warning before it happens.
Translations
ver venir los problemas
de tekenen aan de wand zien
veure els senyals
voir les signes avant-coureurs
die Zeichen erkennen
Etymology
The phrase "to read the writing on the wall" originates from the biblical story in the Book of Daniel, where mysterious writing appears on a wall foretelling the fall of a kingdom. It has since been used metaphorically to describe perceiving inevitable trouble or change. Did you know this expression has been used in English since the 17th century?
Learn to use this expression actively
"To read the writing on the wall" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C2) - set 1", containing 106 commonly used expressions.
Would you like to not only understand these expressions, but also remember them and use them actively? Create a free account and select English as the language you want to learn.
