Thirukkural 869 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
செறுவார்க்குச் சேணிகவா இன்பம் அறிவிலா
அஞ்சும் பகைவர்ப் பெறின்.
Transliteration
Seruvaarkkuch Chenikavaa Inpam Arivilaa
Anjum Pakaivarp Perin
Modern English
“When opponents are both ignorant and fearful, success is less difficult and good opportunities stay within reach.”
Modern Interpretation
When opponents are both ignorant and fearful, success is less difficult and good opportunities stay within reach. For example, a well-prepared team has an easier contest when its rival panics and refuses to learn.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
When opponents are both ignorant and fearful, success is less difficult and good opportunities stay within reach.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
The joy of heroes knows no bounds When timid fools are opponents
G.U. Pope Translation
The joy of victory is never far removed from thoseWho've luck to meet with ignorant and timid foes
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
There will be no end of lofty delights to the victorious, if their foes are (both) ignorant and timid
Tamil commentary
நீதியை அறியும் அறிவற்ற, எதற்கும் அஞ்சுகிற பகைவரைப் பெற்றால், அத்தகைய பகைவரைப் பெற்றவர்களை விட்டுச் சிறந்த நன்மைகள் விலக மாட்டா.
Chapter 87
More from The Might of Hatred
பகை மாட்சி
Turn from strife with foes too strong With the feeble for battle long
Kural 862Loveless, aidless, powerless king Can he withstand an enemy strong?
Kural 863Unskilled, timid, miser, misfit He is easy for foes to hit
Kural 864The wrathful restive man is prey To any, anywhere any day
Kural 865Crooked, cruel, tactless and base Any foe can fell him with ease
Kural 866Blind in rage and mad in lust To have his hatred is but just
Kural 867Pay and buy his enmity Who muddles chance with oddity
Kural 868With no virtue but full of vice He loses friends and delights foes
Kural 869The joy of heroes knows no bounds When timid fools are opponents
Kural 870Glory's light he will not gain Who fails to fight a fool and win