Thirukkural 674 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
வினைபகை என்றிரண்டின் எச்சம் நினையுங்கால்
தீயெச்சம் போலத் தெறும்.
Transliteration
Vinaipakai Endrirantin Echcham Ninaiyungaal
Theeyechcham Polath Therum
Modern English
“An unfinished task or unresolved conflict can grow dangerous like a fire left burning.”
Modern Interpretation
An unfinished task or unresolved conflict can grow dangerous like a fire left burning. Do not leave a serious misunderstanding or a risky project half dealt with.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
An unfinished task or unresolved conflict can grow dangerous like a fire left burning.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Work or foe left unfinished Flare up like fire unextinguished
G.U. Pope Translation
With work or foe, when you neglect some little thing, If you reflect, like smouldering fire, 'twill ruin bring
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
When duly considered, the incomplete execution of an undertaking and hostility will grow and destroy one like the (unextinguished) remnant of a fire
Tamil commentary
செய்யத் தொடங்கிய செயல், அழிக்கத் தொடங்கிய பகை இவை இரண்டிலும் மிச்சம் இருந்தால் அவை தீயின் மிச்சம் போல வளர்ந்து அழிக்கும் (ஆதலால் எதையும் முழுமையாகச் 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