Thirukkural 464 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
தெளிவி லதனைத் தொடங்கார் இளிவென்னும்
ஏதப்பாடு அஞ்சு பவர்.
Transliteration
Thelivi Ladhanaith Thotangaar Ilivennum
Edhappaatu Anju Pavar
Modern English
“Do not begin a plan that has not been tested and understood, especially if failure would bring shame.”
Modern Interpretation
Do not begin a plan that has not been tested and understood, especially if failure would bring shame. For example, check the facts before presenting an unverified claim to your whole class.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Do not begin a plan that has not been tested and understood, especially if failure would bring shame.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
They who scornful reproach fear Commence no work not made clear
G.U. Pope Translation
A work of which the issue is not clear,Begin not they reproachful scorn who fear
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Those who fear reproach will not commence anything which has not been (thoroughly considered) and made clear to them
Tamil commentary
தனக்கு அவமானம் என்னும் குற்றம் வரும் என்று பயப்படுபவர், நம்பிக்கை இல்லாத செயலைச் செய்யத் தொடங்கமாட்டார்.
Chapter 47
More from Acting after due Consideration
தெரிந்து செயல்வகை
Weigh well output the loss and gain And proper action ascertain
Kural 462Nothing is hard for him who acts With worthy counsels weighing facts
Kural 463The wise risk not their capital In doubtful gains and lose their all
Kural 464They who scornful reproach fear Commence no work not made clear
Kural 465Who marches without plans and ways His field is sure to foster foes
Kural 466Doing unfit action ruins Failing fit-act also ruins
Kural 467Think and dare a proper deed Dare and think is bad in need
Kural 468Toil without a plan ahead Is doomed to fall though supported
Kural 469Attune the deeds to habitude Or ev'n good leads to evil feud
Kural 470Do deeds above reproachfulness The world refutes uncomely mess