Sign of trouble
Meaning
An indication or precursor that difficulties or problems are likely to arise.
Origin
Long before written language, humans were adept at reading the world around them for signals of impending danger. A sudden quiet in the forest, a change in the wind, a shift in animal behavior—these were all critical 'signs' that 'trouble' might be approaching. This innate, ancestral practice of observation and interpretation is deeply embedded in our language, giving rise to this phrase. It speaks to our constant vigilance, our need to forecast difficulties, whether it's a crack in a foundation or a tremor in the stock market. We’re wired to look for those subtle cues that hint at the storm ahead, translating raw observations into clear warnings.
Examples
- The sudden drop in sales was a clear sign of trouble for the struggling business.
- When the sky turned an ominous green, local residents knew it was a sign of trouble brewing.