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

English Translation

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

Plain-English meaning

The power of one who has a large army will perish, if he goes into ground where only a small army can act

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

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

Plain-English Meaning

The power of one who has a large army will perish, if he goes into ground where only a small army can act

பெரிய படையை உடையவன், சிறிய படையை உடையவன் ஓடி இருக்கும் இடந்தேடிப் போனால், போனவனின் பெருமை அழியும்.

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