முதலை நீரில் வெற்றி பெறும்; நீரைவிட்டு வெளியே வந்தால் அதனை மற்றவை வெல்லும்.

தண்ணீரில் இருக்கும் வரையில்தான் முதலைக்குப் பலம்; தண்ணீரைவிட்டு வெளியே வந்து விட்டால் ஒரு சாதாரண உயிர்கூட அதனை விரட்டி விடும்

ஆழமுள்ள நீரில் முதலை மற்ற உயிர்களை வெல்லும், ஆனால் நீரிலிருந்து விலகிவந்தால் அந்த முதலையையும் மற்ற உயிர்கள் வென்றுவிடும்.

In deep water, a crocodile will conquer (all other animals); but if it leave the water, other animals will conquer it

Kural 495 is an insightful reflection on the impact of environment and context on an individual's strength and abilities. The verse uses the metaphor of a crocodile, which is a powerful and dominant creature in its natural habitat - the water. In deep water, the crocodile is unrivaled, demonstrating its strength and dominance over other creatures. This symbolizes individuals or entities who excel in their familiar environments, utilizing their skills and capabilities to their maximum potential. However, the verse also points out the vulnerability of the crocodile when it leaves its familiar environment. On land, the crocodile becomes susceptible to attacks and is easily defeated by other animals. This signifies that the strength and dominance of individuals or entities could greatly diminish when they are out of their comfort zones, their familiar environments. Thus, the Kural underscores the importance of understanding and leveraging one's strengths in suitable environments while also being aware of weaknesses when in unfamiliar territories. It is a reminder that circumstances and environments play a significant role in determining our success and victory, and adapting to new environments may require different skills and strategies. This verse encourages self-awareness, adaptability, and strategic positioning in life. In a broader perspective, the verse can also be interpreted as a critique of imperialism and colonization, where powers that are dominant in their own lands may become weak and vulnerable when they venture into unfamiliar territories.