Thirukkural 673 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
ஒல்லும்வா யெல்லாம் வினைநன்றே ஒல்லாக்கால்
செல்லும்வாய் நோக்கிச் செயல்.
Transliteration
Ollumvaa Yellaam Vinainandre Ollaakkaal
Sellumvaai Nokkich Cheyal
Modern English
“Finish a task directly when possible; when that route fails, use another suitable way.”
Modern Interpretation
Finish a task directly when possible; when that route fails, use another suitable way. If an online application fails, submit it through the official alternate channel.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Finish a task directly when possible; when that route fails, use another suitable way.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
It's best to act when feasible If not see what is possible
G.U. Pope Translation
When way is clear, prompt let your action be; When not, watch till some open path you see
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Whenever it is possible (to overcome your enemy) the act (of fighting) is certainly good; if not, endeavour to employ some more successful method
Tamil commentary
ஒரு செயலைச் செய்யும்போது சாம, தான, பேத, தண்டம் என்னும் எல்லா உபாயங்களிலும் தண்டம் என்னும் உபாயம் கொண்டு செய்வது நல்லது. அது பலன் அளிக்காத போது, பிற மூன்றினுள் ஏற்ற ஒன்று கொண்டு செய்க.
Chapter 68
More from Modes of Action
வினை செயல்வகை
When counsel takes a resolve strong Weak delay of action is wrong
Kural 672Delay such acts as need delay Delay not acts that need display
Kural 673It's best to act when feasible If not see what is possible
Kural 674Work or foe left unfinished Flare up like fire unextinguished
Kural 675Money and means, time, place and deed Decide these five and then proceed
Kural 676Weigh well the end, hindrance, profit And then pursue a fitting act
Kural 677Know first the secret from experts That is the way of fruitful acts
Kural 678Lure a tusker by a tusker Achieve a deed by deed better
Kural 679Than doing good to friends it is More urgent to befriend the foes
Kural 680Small statesmen fearing people's fear Submit to foes superior