a talented person will stand out; cream rises to the top
Classical proverb meaning that a truly gifted person will naturally distinguish themselves, just as an awl in a bag will eventually poke through. Used in literary or formal contexts.
He quickly distinguished himself after joining the company. Truly, the cream rises to the top.
「嚢中の錐」ということわざは、才能のある人は自然と目立つという意味だ。
The proverb 'nōchū no kiri' means that a talented person will naturally stand out.
An opposite proverb: 'a wise hawk hides its talons', meaning a truly capable person does not flaunt their abilities.
From classical Chinese literature, specifically the 'Shiji' (Records of the Grand Historian). The image is of an awl (錐) placed inside a bag (嚢); its sharp point will inevitably pierce through, symbolizing that true talent cannot be hidden.