This Merina proverb highlights the importance of prioritizing and making wise decisions when resources are limited. The idea is that it is sometimes better to be content with small essential items, like a pinch of salt which can enhance the flavor of simple meals, rather than seeking something more flashy but possibly less useful, like a fine piece of cloth. It teaches us about the value of wisdom and moderation in our material choices. The equivalent English proverb could be ‘A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush’.