The word "迎刃而解" is formed by combining four characters: "迎" (to meet), "刃" (blade), "而" (a conjunction meaning "and then"), and "解" (to solve). It literally depicts the action of a blade meeting an object and then cutting through it smoothly, derived from the process of splitting bamboo along its grain. This sequential combination creates a metaphorical meaning where facing a problem directly leads to its effortless resolution.