Thirukkural 663 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
கடைக்கொட்கச் செய்தக்க தாண்மை இடைக்கொட்கின்
எற்றா விழுமந் தரும்.
Transliteration
Kataikkotkach Cheydhakka Thaanmai Itaikkotkin
Etraa Vizhuman Tharum
Modern English
“Keep important work private until it is finished; announcing it too early can create obstacles.”
Modern Interpretation
Keep important work private until it is finished; announcing it too early can create obstacles. A team should test a project quietly before posting promises it may not keep.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Keep important work private until it is finished; announcing it too early can create obstacles.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
The strong achieve and then display Woe unto work displayed midway
G.U. Pope Translation
Man's fitting work is known but by success achieved;In midst the plan revealed brings ruin ne'er to be retrieved
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
So to perform an act as to publish it (only) at its termination is (true) manliness; for to announce it beforehand, will cause irremediable sorrow
Tamil commentary
ஒரு செயலை முடிவில் வெளிப்படுத்துவதே ஆளுமை, இடையிலேயே வெளிப்படுத்தினால் அது செயலைச் செய்பவனுக்கு நீங்காத துன்பத்தைத் தரும்.
Chapter 67
More from Power in Action
வினைத்திட்பம்
A powerful mind does powerful act And all the rest are imperfect
Kural 662Shun failing fuss; fail not purpose These two are maxims of the wise
Kural 663The strong achieve and then display Woe unto work displayed midway
Kural 664Easy it is to tell a fact But hard it is to know and act
Kural 665Dynamic deeds of a doughty soul Shall win the praise of king and all
Kural 666The will-to-do achieves the deed When mind that wills is strong indeed
Kural 667Scorn not the form: for men there are Like linchpin of big rolling car
Kural 668Waver not; do wakefully The deed resolved purposefully
Kural 669Do with firm will though pains beset The deed that brings delight at last
Kural 670The world merits no other strength But strength of will-to-do at length