Thirukkural 678 in English

Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.

Tamil original

வினையான் வினையாக்கிக் கோடல் நனைகவுள்
யானையால் யானையாத் தற்று.

Transliteration

Vinaiyaan Vinaiyaakkik Kotal Nanaikavul
Yaanaiyaal Yaanaiyaath Thatru

English Translation

“Lure a tusker by a tusker Achieve a deed by deed better”

Plain-English meaning

To make one undertaking the means of accomplishing another (similar to it) is like making one rutting elephant the means of capturing another

Listen

Tamil pronunciation

Speed

English Translation

Lure a tusker by a tusker Achieve a deed by deed better

G.U. Pope Translation

By one thing done you reach a second work's accomplishment; So furious elephant to snare its fellow brute is sent

Plain-English Meaning

To make one undertaking the means of accomplishing another (similar to it) is like making one rutting elephant the means of capturing another

ஒரு செயலைச் செய்யும்போதே இன்னொரு செயலையும் செய்து கொள்வது மதநீர் வழியும் யானையால் இன்னொரு யானையைப் பிடிப்பது போலாம்.

Chapter 68

வினை செயல்வகை

When counsel takes a resolve strong Weak delay of action is wrong

Delay such acts as need delay Delay not acts that need display

It's best to act when feasible If not see what is possible

Work or foe left unfinished Flare up like fire unextinguished

Money and means, time, place and deed Decide these five and then proceed

Weigh well the end, hindrance, profit And then pursue a fitting act

Know first the secret from experts That is the way of fruitful acts

Lure a tusker by a tusker Achieve a deed by deed better

Than doing good to friends it is More urgent to befriend the foes

Small statesmen fearing people's fear Submit to foes superior