Even the elephant slips - Harapan Daily

By: V Sivakumar

You know, there’s this golden nugget of Tamil wisdom that goes: “Yaanaiyum adi sarukkum.” Translated with full dramatic flair — “Even the elephant, the mighty jumbo, the jungle boss… can slip.”

Now don’t get too comfortable up there on your high horse. Or should I say, high elephant?

Because let me tell you something — no matter how great, strong, intelligent, or important you think you are… gravity doesn’t care.

One day, you are going to slip.

Yes, you. With your ego taller than a coconut tree.

Our ancestors didn’t say this for fun. They watched mighty kings, fierce warriors, even that one overly proud cousin at the village festival — all fall flat on their faces.

And then they coined this proverb while sipping buttermilk with a knowing smirk.

You may have thousands of followers, a blue tick on Instagram, and even your own parking spot at work.

But trust me, life is like a banana peel waiting to meet your confident stride.

When that moment comes — and oh, it will — I’ll be there.

Not to laugh. Okay, maybe a little. But mainly to lean gently and whisper in your ear:
“Yaanaiyum adi sarukkum, thambi…”
(Even elephants slip, brother…)

So stay humble. Walk slow. And watch out for life’s sneaky banana peels.

V Sivakumar is Batu Gajah MP and Perak DAP deputy chairman.