Thirukkural 836 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
பொய்படும் ஒன்றோ புனைபூணும் கையறியாப்
பேதை வினைமேற் கொளின்.
Transliteration
Poipatum Ondro Punaipoonum Kaiyariyaap
Pedhai Vinaimer Kolin
Modern English
“A person who takes on work without knowing how to do it may fail and then face serious consequences.”
Modern Interpretation
A person who takes on work without knowing how to do it may fail and then face serious consequences. If someone accepts a technical task without learning or asking for help, the project and their own reputation may suffer.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A person who takes on work without knowing how to do it may fail and then face serious consequences.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
A know-nothing fool daring a deed Not only fails but feels fettered
G.U. Pope Translation
When fool some task attempts with uninstructed pains,It fails; nor that alone, himself he binds with chains
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
If the fool, who knows not how to act undertakes a work, he will (certainly) fail (But) is it all ? He will even adorn himself with fetters
Tamil commentary
செய்யும் வழி தெரியாத அறிவற்றவன் ஒரு செயலைச் செய்யத் தொடங்கினால் செயலும் கெட்டு, அவனும் கெட்டுப் போவான்.
Chapter 84
More from Folly
பேதைமை
This is folly's prominent vein To favour loss and forego gain
Kural 832Folly of follies is to lead A lewd and lawless life so bad
Kural 833Shameless, aimless, callous, listless Such are the marks of foolishness
Kural 834No fool equals the fool who learns Knows, teaches, but self-control spurns
Kural 835The fool suffers seven fold hells In single birth of hellish ills
Kural 836A know-nothing fool daring a deed Not only fails but feels fettered
Kural 837Strangers feast and kinsmen fast When fools mishandle fortunes vast
Kural 838Fools possessing something on hand Like dazed and drunken stupids stand
Kural 839Friendship with fools is highly sweet For without a groan we part
Kural 840Entrance of fools where Savants meet Looks like couch trod by unclean feet