Thirukkural · பொருட்பால் · காலமறிதல்

Thirukkural 490

Chapter 49: காலமறிதல் (Knowing the fitting Time) · Wealth

Kural 490

கொக்கொக்க கூம்பும் பருவத்து மற்றதன்
குத்தொக்க சீர்த்த இடத்து.

Kokkokka Koompum Paruvaththu Matradhan
Kuththokka Seerththa Itaththu

As heron stands with folded wing, so wait in waiting hour; As heron snaps its prey, when fortune smiles, put forth your power

Meaning

At the time when one should use self-control, let him restrain himself like a heron; and, let him like it, strike, when there is a favourable opportunity.

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 காலமறிதல்

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