This expression comes from our very pictorial Mauritian creole language. “Fer lekonomi sandel lor ros so” is an old-fashion expression and hardly used amongst younger Mauritians.
The literal translation of this expression is “saving a candle on a hot rock”. Now, what does it mean and how does it picture its meaning? Imagine trying to save candle wax while the candle is placed on a hot rock. A vain attempt for sure as the candle will melt. Hence the expression. It means trying to save but without very concrete efforts. It refers to counterproductive behaviors initially aiming to take one step forward but ending up taking two steps back.
To those who try to adopt eco-friendly actions to save water by taking short showers or brushing their teeth with a single glass of water, but who will happily wash their car daily for no reason, " aret fer lekonomi sandel lor ros so! "
