Thirukkural 894 in English
Tamil original, transliteration, English translation, meaning, commentary, pronunciation, and chapter context.
Tamil original
கூற்றத்தைக் கையால் விளித்தற்றால் ஆற்றுவார்க்கு
ஆற்றாதார் இன்னா செயல்.
Transliteration
Kootraththaik Kaiyaal Viliththatraal Aatruvaarkku
Aatraadhaar Innaa Seyal
Modern English
“A weak person harming a strong one is like calling destruction to come by waving it closer.”
Modern Interpretation
A weak person harming a strong one is like calling destruction to come by waving it closer. For example, posting a reckless accusation against a powerful organization can create consequences the poster cannot handle.
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Tamil pronunciation
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Modern Plain English
A weak person harming a strong one is like calling destruction to come by waving it closer.
Poetic Couplet (Bharati)
The weak who insult men of might Death with their own hands invite
G.U. Pope Translation
When powerless man 'gainst men of power will evil deeds essay,Tis beck'ning with the hand for Death to seize them for its prey
Classical Meaning (Drew & Lazarus)
The weak doing evil to the strong is like beckoning Yama to come (and destroy them)
Tamil commentary
அறிவு, செல்வம், படை ஆகிய மூன்று வகை ஆற்றலும் உடையவர்க்கு, அவை இல்லாதவர் முதலில் தீமை செய்வது தாமே எமனைக் கைநீட்டி அழைப்பதைப் போன்றது.
Chapter 90
More from Not Offending the Great
பெரியாரைப் பிழையாமை
Not to spite the mighty ones Safest safeguard to living brings
Kural 892To walk unmindful of the great Shall great troubles ceaseless create
Kural 893Heed not and do, if ruin you want Offence against the mighty great
Kural 894The weak who insult men of might Death with their own hands invite
Kural 895Where can they go and thrive where Pursued by powerful monarch's ire?
Kural 896One can escape in fire caught The great who offends escapes not
Kural 897If holy mighty sages frown Stately gifts and stores who can own?
Kural 898When hill-like sages are held small The firm on earth lose home and all
Kural 899Before the holy sage's rage Ev'n Indra's empire meets damage
Kural 900Even mighty aided men shall quail If the enraged holy seers will