Thirukkural 490 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
கொக்கொக்க கூம்பும் பருவத்து மற்றதன்
குத்தொக்க சீர்த்த இடத்து.
Transliteration
Kokkokka Koompum Paruvaththu Matradhan
Kuththokka Seerththa Itaththu
Modern English
“Wait quietly when the time is not right, then act accurately when it is.”
Modern Interpretation
Wait quietly when the time is not right, then act accurately when it is. For example, a careful applicant can prepare in silence and submit a strong application when the opening appears.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Wait quietly when the time is not right, then act accurately when it is.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
In waiting time feign peace like stork In fighting time strike like its peck
G.U. Pope Translation
As heron stands with folded wing, so wait in waiting hour;As heron snaps its prey, when fortune smiles, put forth your power
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
At the time when one should use self-control, let him restrain himself like a heron; and, let him like it, strike, when there is a favourable opportunity
Tamil commentary
ஒடுங்கி இருக்க வேண்டிய நேரத்தில் கொக்கைப் போல் ஒடுங்கிக் காத்து இரு. செயற்படும் நேரம் வந்தபோது கொக்கு தவறாமல் தன் இரையைக் குத்திப் பிடிப்பதுபோல் பிழையின்றிச் செய்து முடி.
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