Business:
* "After months of declining sales, the writing was on the wall for the company. They announced layoffs last week." This implies that the company's poor performance was a clear sign of impending trouble.
* "The CEO's sudden resignation was a surprise, but looking back, the writing was on the wall. The company had been struggling with scandals for months." This suggests that the CEO's departure was inevitable due to the company's negative publicity.
Politics:
* "The recent polls show a dramatic shift in public opinion, and the writing is on the wall for the incumbent candidate. He's unlikely to win re-election." This means the candidate is likely to lose, based on the current political climate.
* "The negotiations between the two countries have broken down, and the writing is on the wall for a potential conflict. Both sides are mobilizing their troops." This suggests that a conflict is becoming increasingly likely based on the current diplomatic situation.
Personal Life:
* "My relationship with my partner has been strained for months. I've been trying to ignore it, but the writing is on the wall. We need to talk." This signifies that the relationship is in trouble and a serious conversation is needed.
* "My boss has been giving me increasingly critical feedback. The writing is on the wall - I'm going to have to find a new job soon." This implies that the person's job is at risk due to their boss's dissatisfaction.
Literary:
* "The hero's journey was filled with adventure, but the writing on the wall was evident from the beginning. His destiny was to face the ultimate villain." This uses the idiom metaphorically to suggest the inevitable outcome of the hero's journey.
General:
* "The weather forecast is calling for heavy snow. The writing is on the wall - we're going to be snowed in for a few days." This signifies a predictable outcome based on the current circumstances.
These examples show how "the writing on the wall" can be used to convey a sense of impending doom, inevitability, or a clear sign of what will happen next.