Talent Showing Itself

During the Warring States Period, Qin State besieged the capital of Zhao State. The situation was very critical. The King of Zhao State sent Lord of Pingyuan to Chu State for help. Lord of Pingyuan decided to take twenty disciples who are both versed in literary and military arts as his attendants. However, he has only chosen nineteen of them. One man named Mao Sui took the initiative and recommended himself. Lord of Pingyuan could not perceive his ability, so he asked,“How long have you been here?” Mao Sui answered,“Three years.” Lord of Pingyuan continued,“A real talented man is like an awl in a bag, the point of which would pierce through the bag and reveal itself some day. You've been here for such a long time, but you didn't show any outstanding ability.” Mao Sui explained,“This is the reason why I plea you to put me into the pocket. If you did it earlier, not only the point of the awl had pierced through the bag, but also the ring of which had revealed itself outside of the bag.” Lord of Pingyuan felt his words reasonable and approved of his request. Later on, at the critical moment of persuading the King of Chu State to send armies to rescue Zhao State, Mao Sui came out boldly, demonstrated his exceptional talent and helped Lord of Pingyuan to complete the mission successfully.

We use this idiom to mean the talented man's ability showing itself.

We should not neglect our own ability and learn from Mao Sui to expose our talent at an appropriate moment.