என் காதல் துன்பத்தை மற்றவர் அறிந்துவிடக்கூடாது என்று மறைக்கவே செய்தேன்; ஆனாலும் இறைக்க இறைக்க ஊற்றுநீர் பெருகுவது போல மறைக்க மறைக்க என் துன்பமும் பெருகவே செய்கிறது.

இறைக்க இறைக்கப் பெருகும் ஊற்றுநீர் போல, பிறர் அறியாமல் மறைக்க மறைக்கக் காதல் நோயும் பெருகும்

இக் காமநோயைப் பிறர் அறியாமல் யான் மறைப்பேன், ஆனால் இது இறைப்பவர்க்கு ஊற்று நீர் மிகுவது போல் மிகுகின்றது.

I would hide this pain from others; but it (only) swells like a spring to those who drain it

The Thiru Kural verse 1161 is a poignant commentary on the experience of concealing one's emotional pain or distress, particularly in the context of romantic love. The verse portrays the paradoxical situation where the attempt to hide one's suffering only intensifies it, much like how a spring's water level rises when one tries to drain it. The verse captures the human instinct to hide our pain, especially when it is related to love or heartbreak, to protect ourselves and others from the impact of our suffering. However, it also highlights the irony that this concealment often amplifies the pain we feel. The analogy of the swelling spring used in the verse is significant. Just as how draining a spring can cause the water level to rise due to the water's natural tendency to seep back and fill the space, trying to suppress or hide one's emotional pain can cause it to grow, as emotions demand to be acknowledged and addressed. In a broader perspective, this verse underscores the importance of open communication and emotional honesty. It suggests that hiding or suppressing our feelings can often lead to more harm than good, and that acknowledging our pain is a crucial step towards overcoming it. It's a reminder that it's okay to be vulnerable and seek help when we're hurting.