# handwriting on the wall

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/handwriting-on-the-wall
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Alternative form of writing on the wall

## Examples

- The company is failing and everyone sees the handwriting on the wall.
- With sales dropping every month and competitors gaining ground, the manager finally recognized the handwriting on the wall.
- Despite the optimistic speeches from leadership, the declining market share served as clear handwriting on the wall for those paying attention.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.