This Betsimisaraka proverb means that once resources are used, they are gone for good. It highlights the idea of thoughtless consumption leading to the depletion of resources, leaving behind little to no recovery means. An equivalent proverb in English would be ‘When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water,’ emphasizing the irreversible exhaustion of resources. It reminds people about the importance of foresight and saving to avoid facing difficult times in the future.