The writing was on the wall.

[rewboss]

The exact origins are fascinating, but not necessary to actually understand the phrase. The phrase itself is so common, it's almost a cliché.

[Humble]

Yes, I meant "the man in the street". Perhaps I should've written Jane Doe.
Thanks a lot.

[curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by Humble

Yes, I meant "the man in the street". Perhaps I should've written Jane Doe.
Thanks a lot.

No, Jane (or John) Doe means someone unknown. That doesn't necessarily mean that they themselves don't know. 'Man in the street' means the average person, which is more accurate in this case. In fact your use of Jones is not far away as it is a common name and I understood that you meant the common person. However you may have been referring to an actual person, which is why I asked the question.

[Humble]

Thank you, Curmudgeon.