Thirukkural · அறத்துப்பால் · கூடா ஒழுக்கம்

Thirukkural 273

Chapter 28: கூடா ஒழுக்கம் (Imposture) · Virtue

Kural 273

வலியில் நிலைமையான் வல்லுருவம் பெற்றம்
புலியின்தோல் போர்த்துமேய்ந் தற்று.

Valiyil Nilaimaiyaan Valluruvam Petram
Puliyindhol Porththumeyn Thatru

As if a steer should graze wrapped round with tiger's skin, Is show of virtuous might when weakness lurks within

Meaning

The assumed appearance of power, by a man who has no power (to restrain his senses and perform austerity), is like a cow feeding on grass covered with a tiger's skin.

Plain English meaning from the 19th-century prose translation by W. H. Drew and John Lazarus. The verse above is G. U. Pope's translation (1886).

Other kurals in கூடா ஒழுக்கம்

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