the writing is on the wall
US /ðə ˈraɪtɪŋ ɪz ɑn ðə wɔl/
UK /ðə ˈraɪtɪŋ ɪz ɑn ðə wɔl/
1.
used to say that there are clear signs that something bad is going to happen
:
•
After several missed deadlines and budget overruns, the writing was on the wall for the project.
•
The company's sales have been declining for months; the writing is on the wall for a major restructuring.