Thirukkural 493 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
ஆற்றாரும் ஆற்றி அடுப இடனறிந்து
போற்றார்கண் போற்றிச் செயின்.
Transliteration
Aatraarum Aatri Atupa Itanarindhu
Potraarkan Potrich Cheyin
Modern English
“A weaker side can succeed by choosing favorable conditions and protecting itself.”
Modern Interpretation
A weaker side can succeed by choosing favorable conditions and protecting itself. For example, a small business may compete successfully by serving one local need better than a much larger company.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A weaker side can succeed by choosing favorable conditions and protecting itself.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Weaklings too withstand foe's offence In proper fields of strong defence
G.U. Pope Translation
E'en weak ones mightily prevail, if place of strong defence,They find, protect themselves, and work their foes offence
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Even the powerless will become powerful and conquer, if they select a proper field (of action), and guard themselves, while they make war on their enemies
Tamil commentary
பலம் இல்லாதவர் என்றாலும்கூட ஏற்ற இடத்தை அறிந்து, தம்மையும் காத்து, பகைவரோடு மோதுபவர், பலம் உள்ளவராய்ப் பகையை அழிப்பர்.
Chapter 50
More from Knowing the Place
இடனறிதல்
No action take, no foe despise Until you have surveyed the place
Kural 492Many are gains of fortresses Ev'n to kings of power and prowess
Kural 493Weaklings too withstand foe's offence In proper fields of strong defence
Kural 494If fighters fight in vantage field The plans of foes shall be baffled
Kural 495In water crocodile prevails In land before others it fails
Kural 496Sea-going ship goes not on shore Nor on sea the strong-wheeled car
Kural 497No aid but daring dash they need When field is chosen right for deed
Kural 498Though force is small, if place is right One quells a foe of well-armed might
Kural 499To face a foe at home is vain Though fort and status are not fine
Kural 500A fox can kill a war tusker Fearless with feet in deep quagmire