脱颖而出 stand out
Explanation
颖：指锥子的尖。比喻才能出众的人从平凡人中显现出来。
Yǐng: the tip of an awl. A metaphor for outstanding talents who stand out from the ordinary.
Origin Story
话说春秋战国时期，有个名叫乐毅的年轻将领，他胸怀大志，渴望建功立业，却一直默默无闻，没有机会展现自己的才能。一次，燕国与齐国发生战争，燕昭王四处寻找人才，有人向他推荐了乐毅。燕昭王起初并不看好这个名不见经传的小人物，但乐毅在面见燕昭王时，谈吐不凡，对齐国军情了如指掌，分析透彻，令燕昭王大为惊叹。于是，燕昭王重用乐毅，委以重任。乐毅也不负众望，率领燕军连破齐国七个城池，最终帮助燕国攻陷了齐都临淄，成就了一番赫赫战功。乐毅由此脱颖而出，成为一代名将，他的故事也成为了后人效仿的典范。
During the Warring States period in ancient China, there was a young general named Le Yi. He was ambitious and aspired to achieve great success but remained unknown and had no opportunity to showcase his talents. Once, a war broke out between the Yan kingdom and the Qi kingdom. King Zhao of Yan searched far and wide for talented individuals, and Le Yi was recommended to him. King Zhao was initially skeptical of this obscure figure, but Le Yi's insightful conversation and profound knowledge of Qi's military situation impressed the king. Le Yi was appointed to a high-ranking position and entrusted with important responsibilities. He lived up to expectations, leading the Yan army to victory, capturing seven cities, and ultimately helping Yan conquer Linzi, Qi's capital. Le Yi rose to fame, becoming a legendary general, and his story is still an inspiring example today.
Usage
用作谓语、宾语、定语；指某人从平凡的人群中显现出才能。
Used as predicate, object, and attributive; refers to someone showing their abilities from among the ordinary people.
Examples
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经过不懈努力，他终于脱颖而出，成为公司最年轻的经理。
jīngguò bùxiè nǔlì, tā zhōngyú tuō yǐng ér chū, chéngwéi gōngsī zuì niánqīng de jīnglǐ.
After unremitting efforts, he finally stood out and became the youngest manager of the company.
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在激烈的竞争中，她凭借出色的才华脱颖而出。
zài jīliè de jìngzhēng zhōng, tā píngjié chūsè de cáihuá tuō yǐng ér chū
In the fierce competition, she stood out with her outstanding talent.