non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco

/non ˈtut.te le tʃamˈbɛl.le rjeˈsku.no kol ˈbu.ko/◆proverb

not everything works out perfectly

Ho provato a fare un dolce, ma non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco!

I tried to bake a cake, but not everything works out perfectly!

◆ What It Really Means

Not everything in life or effort will be flawless or successful.

¶ Literal Meaning

Not all donuts come out with a hole in the middle.

Literal Breakdown

non tuttenot all+le ciambellethe donuts+riescono col bucoturn out with a hole

◇ Mental Image

A mental picture of donuts baking unevenly, some with holes and some without, symbolizing life's unpredictability and the inevitability of imperfection.

◈ When to Use

You bake a batch of donuts, but a few come out misshapen or without holes. Instead of being disappointed, you shrug and say, 'Non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco,' meaning not everything turns out perfectly.

◉ Cultural Note

This proverb reflects the Italian appreciation for simplicity and acceptance of life's imperfections. It’s often used in casual conversation to normalize minor failures or setbacks.

informal

Not everything goes as planned; perfection is not guaranteed.

Non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco, quindi non preoccuparti se qualcosa va storto.

Not everything works out perfectly, so don’t worry if something goes wrong.

Anche se hai studiato tanto, non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco all’esame.

Even if you studied a lot, not everything works out perfectly on the exam.

Often used to console someone after a minor failure or to acknowledge that not all efforts yield perfect results.

Synonyms

non tutto va come previsto nessuno è perfetto

Antonyms

tutto va per il meglio tutto fila liscio

slow and steady wins the race

sbagliare è umanoproverb

to err is human

Pro Tip

When to use this proverb

Use this proverb when someone is disappointed by a minor setback or when you want to reassure them that not everything needs to be perfect. It’s a lighthearted way to say 'don’t worry, things don’t always turn out exactly as planned.'

Usage Notes

This proverb is used in everyday conversation to soften disappointment or to remind someone that mistakes or imperfections are normal. It can also be used humorously.

Dizionario Italiano-Inglese