Expressions

Italian Saying: Not All Doughnuts Come Out With A Hole

Italian Saying: Not All Doughnuts Come Out With A Hole
Original Text

Non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco

Translation

Not all doughnuts come out with a hole

Meaning

Not everything always goes according to plan

Country

Italy

About the Expression

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.”


Let’s Dive Deeper

Exploring Italian doughnuts is a mouthwatering journey. 

One popular variety is the gloriously delectable and deep-fried bombolone.

This airy and fluffy doughnut typically has a sweet filling like chocolate, custard, jam, whipped cream or even Nutella. It’s usually rolled lightly in sugar.

The bomboloni first appeared in early 17th-century Tuscany, its native region.

The doughnut can be consumed both as a snack and as a dessert. When it’s eaten as breakfast (a common practice in Florence), it’s often paired with a cup of cappuccino or a glass of milk.

What a sweet way to start the day!


This Italian saying belongs to our Bites of the World collection, which spotlights unique food-related expressions from ten countries. It’s also available individually as a vibrant postcard design and art print.
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