A figure of speech can convey different meanings depending on its usage. It is a versatile tool in language, capable of being manipulated to express a wide range of emotions or ideas. This flexibility allows writers to play with words, making their expressions vivid and engaging. The dual nature of figures of speech can both illuminate truths and create complexities in interpretation.

In Salman Rushdie's "Haroun and the Sea of Stories," this idea suggests that language is not fixed; it can change and adapt. The ability to twist or straighten a figure of speech reflects the richness of storytelling and the creativity of the author. Such malleability invites readers to explore deeper meanings and appreciate the nuances of language in literature.