This Malagasy proverb compares words to the tori-hisatra (a bright flare or gleam), pointing out that our words, just like bright flares, never fail to attract attention or leave an impression. In other words, what we say often has consequences and repercussions. Therefore, it is important to always measure and choose our words wisely. An equivalent proverb in English would be: ‘Words have a way of coming back to you.’