Thirukkural 827 in English

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

Tamil original

சொல்வணக்கம் ஒன்னார்கண் கொள்ளற்க வில்வணக்கம்
தீங்கு குறித்தமை யான்.

Transliteration

Solvanakkam Onnaarkan Kollarka Vilvanakkam
Theengu Kuriththamai Yaan

English Translation

“Trust not the humble words of foes Danger darts from bending bows”

Plain-English meaning

Since the bending of the bow bespeaks evil, one should not accept (as good) the humiliating speeches of one's foes

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

Trust not the humble words of foes Danger darts from bending bows

G.U. Pope Translation

To pliant speech from hostile lips give thou no ear;'Tis pliant bow that show the deadly peril near

Plain-English Meaning

Since the bending of the bow bespeaks evil, one should not accept (as good) the humiliating speeches of one's foes

வில் வளைவது தீமை செய்யவே, பகைவர் வணங்கிப் பேசும் சொற்களும் அத்தன்மையவே; அதனால் அவர்தம் சொற்களை ஏற்றுக் கொள்ள வேண்டா.

Chapter 83

கூடா நட்பு

The friendship by an enemy shown Is anvil in time, to strike you down

Who pretend kinship but are not Their friendship's fickle like woman's heart

They may be vast in good studies But heartfelt-love is hard for foes

Fear foes whose face has winning smiles Whose heart is full of cunning guiles

Do not trust in what they tell Whose mind with your mind goes ill

The words of foes is quickly seen Though they speak like friends in fine

Trust not the humble words of foes Danger darts from bending bows

Adoring hands of foes hide arms Their sobbing tears have lurking harms

In open who praise, at heart despise Cajole and crush them in friendly guise

When foes, in time, play friendship's part Feign love on face but not in heart