What does it mean to dig out cakes from the ground and pick out thieves on the other side?

To dig out cakes from the ground and pick out thieves on the other side means that craftsmen rely on their true skills to make a living and make money. The details are as follows:

1. "Putting out a pie from the flat ground" refers to drawing a circle on the flat ground, and the actors perform in it, just like digging out a piece of pie from the flat ground. This expression has the meaning of self-reliance, self-reliance, and starting from scratch. It describes creating material wealth through one's own efforts and talents when having nothing. This word originally came from the lingo of folk artists and acrobats. They used white powder to draw a circle on the flat ground as the boundary of the performance venue. It was likened to a piece of painted cake or a pot, and they relied on this flat piece of ground to make a living. Later, the word was also used to describe crosstalk actors performing in open spaces, that is, "laying down" performances. The actors stood in the circle and performed in order to earn money.

2. "Catch the thief on the opposite side" means that you must have real skills and toughness in your hands to fight with real swords and guns. Otherwise, it may not be that easy to catch the thief. This word describes the need to have real strength and ability to deal with various challenges and difficulties. In cross talk performances, "catching the thief from the opposite side" also refers to the audience's test of the actors. The actors need to face the scrutiny and judgment of the audience. They must not only be highly skilled, but also have sufficient attractiveness and adaptability.