The idiom "脱颖而出" (tuō yǐng ér chū) originates from a story in Sima Qian's "Records of the Grand Historian," concerning the Warring States strategist Mao Sui. It is formed through a vivid metaphorical image: "颖" refers to the sharp, pointed tip of an awl, while "脱" means to slip out or emerge. The phrase literally depicts the sharp point of an awl instantly piercing through and protruding from a cloth bag, thereby figuratively representing a person's exceptional talent or ability suddenly breaking through constraints and becoming prominently visible. Thus, it encapsulates the concept of distinguished talent inevitably revealing itself, no matter the circumstances.