Thirukkural 476 in English

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

Tamil original

நுனிக்கொம்பர் ஏறினார் அஃதிறந் தூக்கின்
உயிர்க்கிறுதி ஆகி விடும்.

Transliteration

Nunikkompar Erinaar Aqdhiran Thookkin
Uyirkkirudhi Aaki Vitum

English Translation

“Beyond the branches' tip who skips Ends the life as his body rips”

Plain-English meaning

There will be an end to the life of him who, having climbed out to the end of a branch, ventures to go further

Listen

Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

Beyond the branches' tip who skips Ends the life as his body rips

G.U. Pope Translation

Who daring climbs, and would himself upraiseBeyond the branch's tip, with life the forfeit pays

Plain-English Meaning

There will be an end to the life of him who, having climbed out to the end of a branch, ventures to go further

ஒரு மரக்கிளையின் நுனியில் ஏறிவிட்டவர், அந்த அளவையும் கடந்து மேலும் ஏற முயன்றால், அம் முயற்சியே அவர் உயிருக்கு முடிவாகிவிடும்.

Chapter 48

வலியறிதல்

Judge act and might and foeman's strength The allies' strength and go at length

Nothing hampers the firm who know What they can and how to go

Many know not their meagre might Their pride breaks up in boastful fight

Who adapts not, outsteps measure And brags himself-his fall is sure

Even the gentle peacock's plume Cart's axle breaks by gross volume

Beyond the branches' tip who skips Ends the life as his body rips

Know the limit; grant with measure This way give and guard your treasure

The outflow must not be excess No matter how small income is

Who does not know to live in bounds His life seems rich but thins and ends

Wealth amassed quickly vanishes Sans level if one lavishes