இரும்பை இரும்பே அறுக்கும்
Irumbai irumbae arukkum
Meaning
Only iron can cut iron - meeting a hard challenge takes strength that matches it.
Story
A blacksmith tried to cut a tough iron sheet with a soft metal tool and failed repeatedly. He then switched to a tool forged from iron itself - it cut through easily. He realized that a hard task simply needs a tool just as hard.
Reader's Note
Facing a real challenge takes preparation and resolve matched to its size - nothing less will do.