頭とう角かくを現あらわす

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Meanings

1

expression, godan verb (-su)

distinguish oneself; stand out; rise above others

idiomatic expression

Idiomatic expression used when someone's talent or ability becomes clearly recognized, often in a competitive or professional setting.

彼かれは若わか手ての中なかで頭とう角かくを現あらわした。
He distinguished himself among the younger members.

新あたらしいプロジェクトで彼かの女じょが頭とう角かくを現あらわすことを期き待たいしている。

We expect her to stand out in the new project.

Written forms

頭とう角かくを現あらわす
Standard kanji spelling; 現す is the most common choice for this idiom.
頭とう角かくを表あらわす
Variant spelling using 表す; also widely seen.

Kanji

頭head, counter for large animals
角angle, corner, square
現present, existing, actual
表surface, table, chart

Similar words

目め立だつ
目立つ means 'to be conspicuous' or 'stand out visually/noticeably,' while 頭角を現す specifically implies demonstrating superior ability or talent and gaining recognition.
抜ぬきん出でる
抜きん出る means 'to excel' or 'surpass others,' often used for outstanding performance. 頭角を現す focuses more on the process of emerging and being noticed for one's ability.

Etymology

The idiom combines 頭角 (literally 'top of the head' or 'horn,' metaphorically 'outstanding point') with 現す ('to reveal/show'). The image is of one's exceptional qualities becoming visible, like a horn emerging.