Thirukkural 498 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
சிறுபடையான் செல்லிடம் சேரின் உறுபடையான்
ஊக்கம் அழிந்து விடும்.
Transliteration
Sirupataiyaan Sellitam Serin Urupataiyaan
Ookkam Azhindhu Vitum
Modern English
“A large force can lose its advantage in a place that favors only a small force.”
Modern Interpretation
A large force can lose its advantage in a place that favors only a small force. For example, a huge team may struggle in a narrow project while a focused pair works efficiently.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A large force can lose its advantage in a place that favors only a small force.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Though force is small, if place is right One quells a foe of well-armed might
G.U. Pope Translation
If lord of army vast the safe retreat assailOf him whose host is small, his mightiest efforts fail
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The power of one who has a large army will perish, if he goes into ground where only a small army can act
Tamil commentary
பெரிய படையை உடையவன், சிறிய படையை உடையவன் ஓடி இருக்கும் இடந்தேடிப் போனால், போனவனின் பெருமை அழியும்.
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