In Italy, doughnuts come in many shapes and forms — and not all of them with the familiar hole in the middle.

This expression means that not everything always goes according to plan.

It’s a wry and playful way to wrap up even serious conversations about things that aren’t working out 100% as desired.

The attitude it captures is very Italian in its philosophy. It’s the idea that perfection is not always possible. In fact, occasional imperfection isn’t always a bad thing.

Expressions that are similar in feeling are: “C’est la vie (that’s life),” “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry,” and “You win some, you lose some.”