This expression has firmly entered the colloquial language and is used in various contexts. The phrase “You have to plow” became famous thanks to the cult Soviet film “Office Romance” (1977), directed by Eldar Ryazanov, writes the Industrial Zaporizhzhia website. In this article, we will figure out in which episode of the film this phrase was heard, what it means and how it is used in modern speech.
At what point in the film does the phrase sound
The phrase “You have to plow”was heard in the scene where the secretary Verochka (played by Liya Akhedzhakova) tries to change the appearance of the main character – the strict and nondescript Lyudmila Prokopovna Kalugina (Alisa Freindlich). Verochka gives her boss advice on style, suggests doing makeup, changing clothes and becoming more feminine. When Kalugina takes off her glasses and changes her appearance a little, the secretary exclaims in surprise:
“You need to plow!”
This phrase expresses Verochka's surprise that an attractive woman is hiding under a strict and inconspicuous image.
Meaning of the phrase
Expression “You need to plow” in this context means: You are so beautiful that you can be compared to fertile land that can be “plowed” – in a figurative sense, emphasizing the beauty and potential of a person. You are so strong that you can withstand any load, like a horse in a field – sometimes this phrase is used jokingly in relation to people with a strong physique or hard work. Unexpected discovery– in the film, Verochka is surprised that a strict boss can look attractive if she pays attention to her appearance.
After the release of “Office Romance”, the phrase became a catchphrase and is used in various situations: The film “Office Romance” was extremely successful and became a classic of Soviet cinema. Many of the characters’ lines became quotes thanks to the witty script and vivid acting. The phrase “You have to plow” remained in the people’s memory because it combines several meanings at once — from admiration to light irony. The phrase “You have to plow” entered the Ukrainian language as a universal expression that can be both a compliment and a humorous remark. Its roots go back to the famous film “Office Romance”, and the context of its appearance makes it especially memorable. Today, this expression continues to live in colloquial speech, reminiscent of the classics of Soviet cinema. Also read what swear words exist in German.How is the expression used today
“But you are beautiful! You need to plow on it!”
“Look at you, you need to plow on it!”
“You manage to do so much! You have to plow!”Why the phrase became popular