Thirukkural 876 in English

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

Tamil original

தேறினும் தேறா விடினும் அழிவின்கண்
தேறான் பகாஅன் விடல்.

Transliteration

Thera�num Theraa Vitinum Azhivinkan
Theraan Pakaaan Vital

English Translation

“Trust or distrust; during distress Keep aloof; don't mix with foes”

Plain-English meaning

Though (one's foe is) aware or not of one's misfortune one should act so as neither to join nor separate (from him)

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Tamil pronunciation

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English Translation

Trust or distrust; during distress Keep aloof; don't mix with foes

G.U. Pope Translation

Whether you trust or not, in time of sore distress,Questions of diff'rence or agreement cease to press

Plain-English Meaning

Though (one's foe is) aware or not of one's misfortune one should act so as neither to join nor separate (from him)

ஒருவனது பகையை முன்பே தெரிந்தோ தெரியாமலோ இருந்தாலும், நெருக்கடி வந்தபோது, அவனை நெருங்காமலும் விலக்காமலும் விட்டு விடுக.

Chapter 88

பகைத்திறம் தெரிதல்

Let not one even as a sport The ill-natured enmity court

Incur the hate of bow-ploughers But not the hate of word-ploughers

Forlorn, who rouses many foes The worst insanity betrays

This world goes safely in his grace Whose heart makes friends even of foes

Alone, if two foes you oppose Make one of them your ally close

Trust or distrust; during distress Keep aloof; don't mix with foes

To those who know not, tell not your pain Nor your weakness to foes explain

Know how and act and defend well The pride of enemies shall fall

Cut off thorn-trees when young they are; Grown hard, they cut your hands beware

To breathe on earth they are not fit Defying foes who don't defeat