What is the phrase from the movie Ivan Vasilyevich Changes Profession that means something like a dog needs a fifth leg? - briefly
The phrase from the movie "Ivan Vasilyevich Changes Profession" that means something like "a dog needs a fifth leg" is "as if a cow learned to play the balalaika."
What is the phrase from the movie Ivan Vasilyevich Changes Profession that means something like a dog needs a fifth leg? - in detail
The phrase you are referring to from the classic Soviet comedy film "Ivan Vasilyevich Changes Profession" is "собаке нужна пятая лапа." This expression translates literally to "a dog needs a fifth paw," but its meaning is similar to the English idiom "like a fish needs a bicycle," indicating that something is completely unnecessary or superfluous.
In the context of the film, this phrase is used humorously by one of the characters to dismiss an idea as absurd or impractical. The film itself is known for its wit and clever use of language, making such phrases memorable and enduring in popular culture.