Thirukkural 440 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

காதல காதல் அறியாமை உய்க்கிற்பின்
ஏதில ஏதிலார் நூல்.

Transliteration

Kaadhala Kaadhal Ariyaamai Uykkirpin
Edhila Edhilaar Nool

English Translation

“All designs of the foes shall fail If one his wishes guards in veil”

Plain-English meaning

If (a king) enjoys, privately the things which he desires, the designs of his enemies will be useless

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

All designs of the foes shall fail If one his wishes guards in veil

G.U. Pope Translation

If, to your foes unknown, you cherish what you love,Counsels of men who wish you harm will harmless prove

Plain-English Meaning

If (a king) enjoys, privately the things which he desires, the designs of his enemies will be useless

தான் செய்ய எண்ணியவற்றைப் பிறர் முன்னதாகவே அறிந்துவிடாதபடி காத்தால், அவனை அழிக்க எண்ணும் பகைவர் எண்ணம் பழுதுபடும்.

Chapter 44

குற்றங்கடிதல்

Plenty is their prosperity Who're free from wrath pride lust petty

Mean pride, low pleasure, avarice These add blemishes to a prince

Though millet-small their faults might seem Men fearing disgrace, Palm-tall deem

Watch like treasure freedom from fault Our fatal foe is that default

Who fails to guard himself from flaw Loses his life like flame-lit straw

What fault can be the king's who cures First his faults, then scans others

That miser's wealth shall waste and end Who would not for a good cause spend

The gripping greed of miser's heart Is more than fault the worst apart

Never boast yourself in any mood Nor do a deed that does no good

All designs of the foes shall fail If one his wishes guards in veil