This proverb suggests that some people who are hesitant or unsure panic once they get what they’ve asked for. In the Merina culture, this wisdom refers to hesitant behaviors and the ensuing rush when a decision is finally made. In other words, one should be careful what one wishes for, as getting it might cause stress or anxiety if not truly prepared. An equivalent in English might be ‘Be careful what you wish for, it might come true.’