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> The writing is on the wall: Ada is here to stay. OK, this has no relation to the actual content of the article, but I have to point out that that is not what
by Sniffnoy 6y ago
> The writing is on the wall: Ada is here to stay.
OK, this has no relation to the actual content of the article, but I have to point out that that is not what the phrase "the writing is on the wall" means.
- UncleOxidant 6y agoIn the original biblical usage a Babylonian king held a feast and suddenly a disembodied hand wrote: MENE, MENE, TECKEL, PARSIN on the wall, which translated to: "Mene: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end." "Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting." "Peres: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.” So you're right, it doesn't connote that something will endure, but that something will end.
- ajxs 6y agoAuthor here. Thank you for pointing this out! I actually did not know that this phrase had such a specific meaning. I had incorrectly inferred from other usage that the phrase meant that the fact in question was supported by evidence to a degree that warranted no further debate. I feel a little embarrassed for the misuse. However I'm all the better off for having been educated on its proper use! Thank you.