The word 发挥 is formed by combining two characters whose individual meanings metaphorically create a new, unified concept. 发 (fā) carries the core idea of "releasing", "sending out", or "initiating", like an arrow from a bow. 挥 (huī) conveys "waving", "wielding", or "scattering", as with a hand or a tool. Together, they visualize the process of drawing something from within (like potential or ability) and then propelling or scattering it outward into effective action, thus forming the concept of "to bring into play", "to give expression to", or "to unleash".