C2idiombusinessIELTS-friendly
the writing on the wall
USUK
clear signs that something bad, such as failure or job losses, is going to happen
Usually 'see the writing on the wall' or 'the writing is on the wall'. It comes from a story in the Bible.
In context
Many staff saw the writing on the wall and left before the factory closed.
Once the bank refused another loan, the writing was on the wall for the company.
More idioms about business
- a win-win situationa situation in which everyone involved gets an advantage
- in the redlosing money or owing money, because you spend more than you earn
- make a killingto make a lot of money quickly and easily
- move the goalpoststo unfairly change the rules or targets while someone is trying to meet them
- the bottom linethe most important fact or point in a situation