Thirukkural 693 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
போற்றின் அரியவை போற்றல் கடுத்தபின்
தேற்றுதல் யார்க்கும் அரிது.
Transliteration
Potrin Ariyavai Potral Katuththapin
Thetrudhal Yaarkkum Aridhu
Modern English
“Protect yourself by avoiding serious mistakes; once a ruler suspects you, clearing the suspicion is very hard.”
Modern Interpretation
Protect yourself by avoiding serious mistakes; once a ruler suspects you, clearing the suspicion is very hard. A manager who hides one major error may lose trust even after explaining it later.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
Protect yourself by avoiding serious mistakes; once a ruler suspects you, clearing the suspicion is very hard.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
Guard thyself from petty excess Suspected least, there's no redress
G.U. Pope Translation
Who would walk warily, let him of greater faults beware;To clear suspicions once aroused is an achievement rare
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
Ministers who would save themselves should avoid (the commission of) serious errors for if the king's suspicion is once roused, no one can remove it
Tamil commentary
ஆட்சியாளருடன் பழகுவோர் தம்மைக் காக்கக் கருதினால் மோசமான பிழைகள் தம் பங்கில் நேர்ந்து விடாமல் காக்க; பிழைகள் நேர்ந்துவிட்டதாக ஆட்சியாளர் சந்தேகப் பட்டுவிட்டால் அவரைத் தெளிவிப்பது எவர்க்கும் கடினம்.
Chapter 70
More from Conduct in the Presence of the King
மன்னரைச் சேர்ந்து ஒழுகல்
Move with hostile kings as with fire Not coming close nor going far
Kural 692Crave not for things which kings desire This brings thee their fruitful favour
Kural 693Guard thyself from petty excess Suspected least, there's no redress
Kural 694Whisper not; nor smile exchange Amidst august men's assemblage
Kural 695Hear not, ask not the king's secret Hear only when he lets it out
Kural 696Discern his mood and time and tell No dislikes but what king likes well
Kural 697Tell pleasing things; and never tell Even if pressed what is futile
Kural 698As young and kinsman do not slight; Look with awe king's light and might
Kural 699The clear-visioned do nothing base Deeming they have the monarch's grace
Kural 700Worthless acts based on friendship old Shall spell ruin and woe untold