phrase
Meaning 1
Disaster is imminent.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Phrase guide
the writing is on the wall
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.
History
Etymology
From the Biblical story in Daniel 5 where mysterious writing appearing on a wall during a feast held by King Belshazzar points to the downfall of the Babylonian Empire: see writing on the wall.
Across languages
Translations
4 source translations are retained for this English entry.
- Finnish: katastrofin merkit ovat ilmassa — Translations
- French: les carottes sont cuites — Translations
- Polish: nieszczęście wisi w powietrzu — Translations
- Spanish: cuando las barbas de tu vecino veas pelar, pon las tuyas a remojar — Translations