Thirukkural 485 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
காலம் கருதி இருப்பர் கலங்காது
ஞாலம் கருது பவர்.
Transliteration
Kaalam Karudhi Iruppar Kalangaadhu
Gnaalam Karudhu Pavar
Modern English
“People who aim high do not panic; they prepare and wait for the right moment.”
Modern Interpretation
People who aim high do not panic; they prepare and wait for the right moment. For example, an athlete may train patiently instead of competing before being ready.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
People who aim high do not panic; they prepare and wait for the right moment.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Who want to win the world sublime Wait unruffled biding their time
G.U. Pope Translation
Who think the pendant world itself to subjugate,With mind unruffled for the fitting time must wait
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
They who thoughtfully consider and wait for the (right) time (for action), may successfully meditate (the conquest of) the world
Tamil commentary
பூவுலகம் முழுவதும் வேண்டும் என்போர், ஏற்ற காலத்தை எண்ணித் தவறாமல் காத்து இருப்பர்.
Chapter 49
More from Knowing the fitting Time
காலமறிதல்
By day the crow defeats the owl Kings need right time their foes to quell
Kural 482Well-ordered seasoned act is cord That fortune binds in bon accord
Kural 483What is hard for him who acts With proper means and time and tacts?
Kural 484Choose proper time and act and place Even the world you win with ease
Kural 485Who want to win the world sublime Wait unruffled biding their time
Kural 486By self-restraint stalwarts keep fit Like rams retreating but to butt
Kural 487The wise jut not their vital fire They watch their time with hidden ire
Kural 488Bear with hostiles when you meet them Fell down their head in fateful time
Kural 489When comes the season ripe and rare Dare and do hard things then and there
Kural 490In waiting time feign peace like stork In fighting time strike like its peck