ஒடுங்கி இருக்க வேண்டிய நேரத்தில் கொக்கைப் போல் ஒடுங்கிக் காத்து இரு. செயற்படும் நேரம் வந்தபோது கொக்கு தவறாமல் தன் இரையைக் குத்திப் பிடிப்பதுபோல் பிழையின்றிச் செய்து முடி.

காலம் கைகூடும் வரையில் கொக்குபோல் பொறுமையாகக் காத்திருக்கவேண்டும் காலம் வாய்ப்பாகக் கிடைத்ததும் அது குறி தவறாமல் குத்துவது போல் செய்து முடிக்க வேண்டும்

பொறுத்திருக்கும் காலத்தில் கொக்குப் போல் அமைதியாக இருக்க வேண்டும், காலம் வாய்த்த போது அதன் குத்து போல் தவறாமல் செய்து முடிக்க வேண்டும்.

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

Kural 490 is a beautiful verse that speaks about the virtues of patience and the strategic application of action. It uses the metaphor of a heron, a bird known for its patience and precision while hunting for its prey. The first line of the verse, "At the time when one should use self-control, let him restrain himself like a heron," suggests that there are moments in life that require self-restraint and patience. Just like a heron which stands still and waits patiently for the right moment to catch its prey, a person should also exercise patience and self-control in his actions. This could be in various aspects of life, such as waiting for the right opportunity to start a business, making important decisions, or dealing with complex problems. The second line of the verse, "and, let him like it, strike, when there is a favourable opportunity," implies that just as the heron strikes at the right moment to catch its prey, a person should also act decisively when the opportune moment arrives. It stresses the importance of timing in our actions and decisions, suggesting that success often depends on acting at the right time. In essence, this verse promotes a balance between patience and decisive action. It encourages us to be patient and restrained when the time calls for it, while also urging us to act swiftly and decisively when the right opportunity presents itself. It reinforces the idea that wisdom lies in understanding the right time to wait and the right time to act.