written all over it

English

Adjective

written all over it (not comparable)

1. Present as a pronounced quality or characteristic.

   This new project has trouble written all over it.

   • 2021 November 17, “Network News: Damaging strike action called off after RMT agrees 2.5% deal”, in RAIL, number 944, page 10:

     We had major concerns about the efficiency savings because it had job losses and booking office closures written all over it.

Usage notes

• If a job has a person's name "written all over it" then that person has all the required knowledge or skills for the job.
• If an emotion is "written all over someone's face" then it is clear what they are thinking.