嚢のう中ちゅうの錐きり

expression

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.

• 彼かれは入にゅう社しゃしてすぐに頭とう角かくを現あらわした。まさに嚢のう中ちゅうの錐きりだ。

  He quickly distinguished himself after joining the company. Truly, the cream rises to the top.

• 「嚢のう中ちゅうの錐きり」ということわざは、才さい能のうのある人ひとは自し然ぜんと目め立だつという意い味みだ。

  The proverb 'nōchū no kiri' means that a talented person will naturally stand out.