Meaning: This idiom is used to describe the ability to foresee or recognize an impending danger, failure, or significant change based on available evidence or signs. It implies the ability to perceive or understand the likely outcome of a situation, often before it occurs.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “The company ignored the warning signs for years, but now it’s clear they should have seen the writing on the wall.”
- “His sudden withdrawal from the project was a clear indication that he saw the writing on the wall.”
- “The coach’s decision to bench the star player was a sign that he saw the writing on the wall regarding the team’s performance.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “see the writing on the wall” can be traced back to the Bible, specifically the Book of Daniel, where a disembodied hand appears and writes a message on a wall, interpreted as a warning of impending doom. Over time, the phrase evolved into a common idiom used to describe the ability to discern or anticipate a future event or outcome based on present indications or evidence. It emphasizes the importance of being perceptive and recognizing signs or signals that foreshadow significant developments or consequences.
