Skip to content
Kural 493

Tap an underlined Tamil word to explore its sound, meaning, and use.

āṟṟāru māṟṟi yaṭupa viṭaṉaṟintu / pōṟṟārkaṭ pōṟṟic ceyiṉ

🎬 குறள் கதை · Story
G.U. Pope1886

“E'en weak ones mightily prevail, if place of strong defence, / They find, protect themselves, and work their foes offence.”

V.V.S. Aiyar1916

“Even the weak can hold their own and triumph over a powerful foe if they choose the proper theatre and operate cautiously.”

Modern readingAI draft

Even those without strength can become capable and prevail if they know the fitting place, protect themselves, and act against their opponents.

Ask AI about this Kural

Ask about this Kural

Answers are drawn only from this Kural's sourced text and named commentary, and always cite what they used.

Choose a section

Parimelazhagar’s commentary

13th century · public domain

Parimelazhagar’s own words come first, unaltered. The plain reading follows below.

ஆற்றாரும் ஆற்றி அடுப= வலியர் அல்லாதாரும், வலியராய் வெல்வர்; இடன் அறிந்து போற்றிப் போற்றார்கண் செயின்= அதற்கு ஏற்ற இடத்தினை அறிந்து தம்மைக் காத்துப் பகைவர்மாட்டு வினைசெய்வராயின்.

Source: Tamil Wikisource

In plain EnglishAI draft · pending review

Even those lacking superior force can conquer their adversaries if they choose the advantageous ground, guard themselves prudently, and strike effectively.