This Malagasy proverb refers to someone who stays permanently bowed or submissive, similar to a lifeless body. In Merina culture, Amalo implies a state of stiffness or weakness. The underlying message of this proverb is that one should not live in submission and inactivity. It can be compared to the English proverb ’nothing ventured, nothing gained’ to highlight the importance of standing up and taking action in the face of challenges.