The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word GRAFFITI
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
G
R
A
F
F
I
T
I
More clues leading to the result GRAFFITI
- Unauthorised artwork revolutionary provided in strongly Labour newspaper
- Wimbledon ace in good shape, one imparts the writing on the wall
- Good artist rejected argument current in street art
- Writing on the wall for tennis player having seizure at international
- Fliers qualified to wear soldier’s decorations
- The writing on the wall
- Admitted to unit if far gone after a turn, writing on the wall?
- You may read these at your convenience
- Writing in a small room, perhaps, I will support German count on attack
- Airmen prepared to be caught by US soldier, writing on the wall
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "The writing on the wall" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case the writing on the wall = graffiti.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does GRAFFITI mean?
GRAFFITI noun- Drawings or words drawn on a surface in a public place, usually made without authorization.
- Informal inscriptions, figure drawings, etc., as opposed to official inscriptions.
- To mark a surface with such images.