The assumed appearance of power, by a man who has no power (to restrain his senses and perform austerity), is like a cow feeding on grass covered with a tiger’s skin.
மனத்தை அடக்கும் வல்லமை இல்லாதவன் மேற்கொண்ட வலிய தவக்கோலம், பசு புலியின் தோலைப் போர்த்திக் கொண்டு பயிரை மேய்ந்தாற் போன்றது
Meaning in English
The assumed appearance of power, by a man who has no power (to restrain his senses and perform austerity), is like a cow feeding on grass covered with a tiger’s skin.
Thirukkural 273 belongs to the virtue (அறத்துப்பால்) section, chapter Other (கூடாவொழுக்கம்). Written by the ancient Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar (திருவள்ளுவர்), it teaches timeless wisdom about virtue.