writing on the wall

== English == === Alternative forms === handwriting on the wall === Etymology === From the Biblical story in Daniel 5, where, during a feast held by King Belshazzar, a hand suddenly appears and writes on a wall the following Aramaic words: מְנֵא מְנֵא תְּקֵל וּפַרְסִין (mənē mənē təqēl ūp̄arsīn, “numbered, numbered, weighed, and they are divided”) (Daniel 5:25). Daniel interprets the words as pointing to the downfall of the Babylonian Empire. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈɹaɪtɪŋ ɒn ðə ˈwɔːl/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˈɹaɪtɪŋ ɑn ðə ˈwɔl/, [ˈɹaɪ̯ɾɪŋ] Hyphenation: writ‧ing on the wall === Noun === writing on the wall (countable and uncountable, plural writings on the wall or writings on walls) (idiomatic) An ominous warning; a prediction of bad luck. ==== Usage notes ==== As an uncountable noun, the phrase alludes to a vague set of ominous indications. As a countable noun, the singular refers to a specific warning. ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== the writing is on the wall The writing on the wall on Wikipedia.Wikipedia