Kural #877
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Tamil text
தேறினும் தேறா விடினும் அழிவின்கண்
தேறான் பகாஅன் விடல்
Tēṟiṉum tēṟā viṭiṉum aḻiviṉkaṇ
Tēṟāṉ pakāaṉ viṭal
English translation
Whether trusted or not, in times of crisis, neither fully trust nor fully abandon the enemy.
Listen
Explanation
During dangerous times, maintain strategic ambiguity with enemies. Neither reveal complete trust nor show open hostility. This keeps enemies uncertain and prevents them from acting against you.
விளக்கம்
பகைவர் மேல் முழு நம்பிக்கை வைக்கவும் வேண்டாம், வெறுக்கவும் வேண்டாம். ஆபத்து காலத்தில், பகைவரை குழப்பி வைத்தால், அவர்கள் நமக்கு தீங்கு செய்ய முடியாது. இது பகைத்திறம் தெரிதல் அதிகாரத்தின் கருத்து.
Word meanings
- தேறினும்tēṟiṉumeven if trusted
- தேறாtēṟānot trusted
- விடினும்viṭiṉumeven if abandoned
- அழிவின்கண்aḻiviṉkaṇin times of danger
- தேறான்tēṟāṉnot trusting
- பகாஅன்pakāaṉnot dividing/alienating
- விடல்viṭalabandon/leave
Story behind this kural
The village of Eldoria was often raided by the Wolf Clan. One year, a truce was proposed. Elder Elara, wary, advised caution. "Trust them not entirely, nor reject their offer outright," she warned. The villagers, eager for peace, were divided. Some wanted to offer the Wolf Clan their best harvests. Others demanded they prepare for battle. The village leader, listening to Elara, decided on a different path. He sent gifts, but kept the village gates fortified. He offered friendship, but doubled the night watch. The Wolf Clan, expecting either complete trust or open hostility, was confused. They feasted on the gifts, yet found the village prepared for any betrayal. Their plans to attack were thwarted by the hidden defenses. Soon, the Wolf Clan lost their appetite for war, and the raids ceased. Eldoria enjoyed a long period of peace.