Thirukkural 495 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
நெடும்புனலுள் வெல்லும் முதலை அடும்புனலின்
நீங்கின் அதனைப் பிற.
Transliteration
Netumpunalul Vellum Mudhalai Atumpunalin
Neengin Adhanaip Pira
Modern English
“Strength depends on the environment where it is used.”
Modern Interpretation
Strength depends on the environment where it is used. For example, an excellent swimmer may struggle on a steep mountain, while a climber is strongest on the ground they know.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Strength depends on the environment where it is used.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
In water crocodile prevails In land before others it fails
G.U. Pope Translation
The crocodile prevails in its own flow of water wide,If this it leaves, 'tis slain by anything beside
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
In deep water, a crocodile will conquer (all other animals); but if it leave the water, other animals will conquer it
Tamil commentary
முதலை நீரில் வெற்றி பெறும்; நீரைவிட்டு வெளியே வந்தால் அதனை மற்றவை வெல்லும்.
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