Thirukkural 486 in English

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

Tamil original

ஊக்க முடையான் ஒடுக்கம் பொருதகர்
தாக்கற்குப் பேருந் தகைத்து.

Transliteration

Ookka Mutaiyaan Otukkam Porudhakar
Thaakkarkup Perun Thakaiththu

Modern English

“Holding back can be preparation, not fear.”

Modern Interpretation

Holding back can be preparation, not fear. For example, a runner may wait for the right opening before making the final move in a race.

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Tamil pronunciation

Speed

Modern Plain English

Holding back can be preparation, not fear.

Poetic Couplet (Bharati)

By self-restraint stalwarts keep fit Like rams retreating but to butt

G.U. Pope Translation

The men of mighty power their hidden energies repress,As fighting ram recoils to rush on foe with heavier stress

Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)

The self-restraint of the energetic (while waiting for a suitable opportunity), is like the drawing back of a fighting-ram in order to butt

ஏற்ற காலம் பார்த்து ஆற்றல் மிக்கவன் காத்திருப்பது சண்டையிடும் ஆட்டுக்கடா, தன் பகைமீது பாய்வதற்காகப் பின்வாங்குவது போன்றதாகும்.

Chapter 49

காலமறிதல்

By day the crow defeats the owl Kings need right time their foes to quell

Well-ordered seasoned act is cord That fortune binds in bon accord

What is hard for him who acts With proper means and time and tacts?

Choose proper time and act and place Even the world you win with ease

Who want to win the world sublime Wait unruffled biding their time

By self-restraint stalwarts keep fit Like rams retreating but to butt

The wise jut not their vital fire They watch their time with hidden ire

Bear with hostiles when you meet them Fell down their head in fateful time

When comes the season ripe and rare Dare and do hard things then and there

In waiting time feign peace like stork In fighting time strike like its peck