Thirukkural 567 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
கடுமொழியும் கையிகந்த தண்டமும் வேந்தன்
அடுமுரண் தேய்க்கும் அரம்.
Transliteration
Katumozhiyum Kaiyikandha Thantamum Vendhan
Atumuran Theykkum Aram
Modern English
“Cruel words and excessive punishment wear down a ruler's strength, just as a file wears down metal.”
Modern Interpretation
Cruel words and excessive punishment wear down a ruler's strength, just as a file wears down metal. A school that suspends students for every small mistake will lose trust and cooperation.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Cruel words and excessive punishment wear down a ruler's strength, just as a file wears down metal.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Reproofs rough and punishments rude Like files conquering power corrode
G.U. Pope Translation
Harsh words and punishments severe beyond the right,Are file that wears away the monarch's conquering might
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Severe words and excessive punishments will be a file to waste away a king's power for destroying (his enemies)
Tamil commentary
கடுமையான சொற்களும், வரம்பு மீறிய தண்டனையும் அரசின் பகையை வெல்லுதற்கு ஏற்ற ஆயுதத்தைத் தேய்த்துக் குறைக்கும் அரம் ஆகும்.
Chapter 57
More from Absence of Terrorism
வெருவந்த செய்யாமை
A king enquires and gives sentence Just to prevent future offence
Kural 562Wield fast the rod but gently lay This strict mildness prolongs the sway
Kural 563His cruel rod of dreadful deed Brings king's ruin quick indeed
Kural 564As men the king a tyrant call His days dwindled, hasten his fall
Kural 565Whose sight is scarce, whose face is foul His wealth seems watched by a ghoul
Kural 566Whose word is harsh, whose sight is rude His wealth and power quickly fade
Kural 567Reproofs rough and punishments rude Like files conquering power corrode
Kural 568The king who would not take counsels Rages with wrath-his fortune fails
Kural 569The king who builds not fort betimes Fears his foes in wars and dies
Kural 570The crushing burden borne by earth Is tyrants bound to fools uncouth