tuō脱escapeyǐng颖awlér而andchū出exit
To stand out from the crowd; to distinguish oneself.
Literal meaning
escape (脱) — awl (颖) — and (而) — exit (出)
Origin
A classical four-character phrase, often attributed to a story about an awl that pokes through a bag.
Examples
Tā zài bǐsài zhōng tuōyǐng'érchū, huòdé le dì yī míng.他在比赛中脱颖而出，获得了第一名。
He stood out in the competition and won first place.
Zhǐyǒu nǔlì cáinéng tuōyǐng'érchū.只有努力才能脱颖而出。
Only through hard work can you distinguish yourself.
Usage & nuances
Implies that someone has exceptional talent or ability.
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