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

English Translation

“In water crocodile prevails In land before others it fails”

Plain-English meaning

In deep water, a crocodile will conquer (all other animals); but if it leave the water, other animals will conquer it

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

Plain-English Meaning

In deep water, a crocodile will conquer (all other animals); but if it leave the water, other animals will conquer it

முதலை நீரில் வெற்றி பெறும்; நீரைவிட்டு வெளியே வந்தால் அதனை மற்றவை வெல்லும்.

Chapter 50

இடனறிதல்

No action take, no foe despise Until you have surveyed the place

Many are gains of fortresses Ev'n to kings of power and prowess

Weaklings too withstand foe's offence In proper fields of strong defence

If fighters fight in vantage field The plans of foes shall be baffled

In water crocodile prevails In land before others it fails

Sea-going ship goes not on shore Nor on sea the strong-wheeled car

No aid but daring dash they need When field is chosen right for deed

Though force is small, if place is right One quells a foe of well-armed might

To face a foe at home is vain Though fort and status are not fine

A fox can kill a war tusker Fearless with feet in deep quagmire