This proverb illustrates that it is socially unacceptable to plunge one’s hands into a bowl of rice or eat dirty leftovers. ‘Idalo’ was a character known for his filthiness, so considering someone mad for eating Idalo’s leftovers seems justified. It implies that one must behave properly in society and not show signs of madness or intemperance in public. The English equivalent proverb is: ‘Clothes do not make the man.’