Thirukkural 775 in English

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

Tamil original

விழித்தகண் வேல்கொண டெறிய அழித்திமைப்பின்
ஒட்டன்றோ வன்க ணவர்க்கு.

Transliteration

Vizhiththakan Velkona Teriya Azhiththimaippin
Ottandro Vanka Navarkku

English Translation

“When lances dart if heroes wink \"It is a rout\" the world will think”

Plain-English meaning

Is it not a defeat to the valiant to wink and destroy their ferocious look when a lance in cast at them (by their foe) ?

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

When lances dart if heroes wink \"It is a rout\" the world will think

G.U. Pope Translation

To hero fearless must it not defeat appear,If he but wink his eye when foemen hurls his spear

Plain-English Meaning

Is it not a defeat to the valiant to wink and destroy their ferocious look when a lance in cast at them (by their foe) ?

பகைவரைச் சினந்து பார்க்கும் கண், அவர்கள் எறியும் வேலைப் பார்த்து மூடித் திறந்தாலும், சிறந்த வீரர்க்கு அதுவே புறங் கொடுத்தலாகும்.

Chapter 78

படைச் செருக்கு

Stand not before my chief, O foes! Many who stood, in stones repose

To lift a lance that missed a tusker Is prouder than shaft that hit a hare

Valour is fight with fierce courage Mercy to the fallen is its edge

At the tusker he flings his lance One in body smiles another chance

When lances dart if heroes wink \"It is a rout\" the world will think

The brave shall deem the days as vain Which did not battle-wounds sustain

Their anklets aloud jingle their name Who sacrifice their life for fame

The king may chide, they pursue strife; They fear loss of glory; not life

Who will blame the heroes that lose Their lives in war to keep their vows?

Such a death shall be prayed for Which draws the the tears of the ruler